Camera for lunar exploration

A new multispectral camera will help spacecraft to track a space station around the Moon and fly towards it.

ESA is sponsoring the development of a space navigation camera with key technology for the safe rendezvous of lunar landers with the space Gateway: a staging post, a safe haven, servicing and outfitting post for missions to the Moon and eventually beyond.

The camera will acquire imagery in multiple spectral ranges and perform space navigation in the vicinity of the Moon, irrespective of the illumination conditions of the target.

ESA is involving private partners to open up new commercial opportunities and markets in space.

cosine is a Dutch company leading the European consortium that will develop and test the camera in the next 18 months. GMV Aerospace and Defence will develop the navigation algorithms and software in Spain.