Destination Moon

Humans are preparing to go beyond low Earth orbit. The Moon has long been a prime exploration target. A permanent presence on the Moon would open up new opportunities and provide a test bed and springboard to venture further into the Solar System. 

European technology will fly to the moon on Russia’s Luna-27 mission to prospect resources for  future human exploration. ESA is developing a precision landing and hazard avoidance system, and a drilling and sample analysis package. 

International partnership envisions a Lunar Gateway that enables humankind to access cis-lunar space, the near-Moon region. This is an ideal hub to reach the lunar surface, as well as a great testing ground for habitation systems and technologies. 

ESA is working with the Canadian and Japanese space agencies to prepare the Heracles robotic mission to the Moon.  Using Lunar Gateway as a halfway point, a robotic rover will scout the terrain and deliver lunar samples to Earth.