The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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The Intuitive Machines Micro Nova Hopper is integrated with their Athena lunar lander, ahead of their second commercial mission to the lunar surface, scheduled for no earlier than late February of this year.
Mounted on the Micro Nova Hopper is the Puli Lunar Water Snooper (PLWS), built by Hungarian space technology company Puli Space Technologies.
PLWS is a neutron spectrometer that will study water ice in the Moon's south pole region and provide the first direct surface measurements from a permanently shadowed crater.
ESA’s Lunar Science Office recognises the importance of the expected data and has made history by signing its first exploration data buy agreement with Puli Space Technologies. This collaboration highlights the expertise in the European space industry and sets a precedent for future public-private partnerships in deep space exploration. ESA will select a dedicated scientific team to work closely with Puli Space to analyse and standardise the data, which will be made publicly available later.