SSTL lands ESA for Lunar Pathfinder

Due to launch in 2024, Lunar Pathfinder will be the first dedicated lunar communications relay spacecraft, acting as a conduit between robotic and crewed missions on the Moon’s surface and mission control back on Earth. Alongside communications for future ESA missions, SSTL could also potentially provide commercial services for the multitude of lunar missions planned over the coming years, including crewed landings from China, Japan, the USA and Russia.

SSTL and Astroscale team up to tackle space debris

“Exploration is about discovery and returning knowledge to Earth, so in the new era of lunar exploration we require a robust and fast communications service,” said ESA’s director of Human and Robotic Exploration, David Parker.

“SSTL’s Lunar Pathfinder service will be available to all, enabling lower cost lunar science, technology demonstration and commercial exploration. As a leader in lunar exploration, ESA plans to use its services extensively.”

Exploring the far side of the Moon, particularly the South Pole Aitkin Basin, is a key area for future robotic and human exploration due to its chemical and mineral composition. The stable elliptical orbit of Lunar Pathfinder will enable long duration visibility of the Southern Lunar Hemisphere each day, maximising opportunities for data relay between Earth and the lunar surface.