Italian Space Agency plans to create first lunar base
The Artemis III mission, scheduled for mid-2027, marks a significant step in humanity's return to the Moon. This mission will see astronauts travel to lunar orbit and two crew members descend to the Moon's South Pole for about a week of scientific exploration before returning to Earth. The total mission duration is approximately 30 days [1][2].
A crucial aspect of the Artemis III mission is the development of the lunar habitat module, a responsibility shared by Thales Alenia Space. As a prime contractor, Thales Alenia Space is instrumental in creating components of the lunar Gateway and habitat modules, essential for sustained lunar presence and Artemis program objectives [2]. Their expertise is leveraged to develop pressurized modules that support astronaut living and working conditions in lunar orbit or on the Moon’s surface.
Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Italian group Leonardo (33%), will develop the lunar habitat module for NASA's Artemis program. While the Artemis III mission involves a short surface stay, the lunar habitat modules developed by Thales Alenia Space are part of longer-term Artemis plans facilitating extended missions and sustained human presence on the Moon [2].
The Orion capsule, propelled by NASA's Space Launch System (SLS), will go to the Moon, enter its orbit, and return to Earth. The Orion capsule is scheduled to be recovered in the Pacific Ocean and reused [1]. ESA is also participating in the mission, providing the European Service Module for the Orion spacecraft, which offers power, propulsion, water, and air for the astronauts.
The MPH, a combination of a rover and a lunar habitat, capable of moving across the Moon's surface, is another key element of the Artemis program. The MPH is scheduled for launch in 2033 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The MPH is designed to accommodate astronauts during their missions to the Moon and will facilitate scientific research experiences, with or without the presence of astronauts [1].
The MPH is a significant development, as it will be the first dedicated lunar habitat system. This system will support scientific research and potentially pave the way for future, more extended lunar missions [1]. The development contract for the Pressurized Lunar Habitat Module (MPH) was signed with the Italian Space Agency (ASI) on Friday [1].
The Artemis program, a series of missions to return to the Moon, includes the Artemis I mission, launched on November 16, 2022. The Artemis I mission did not carry astronauts, focusing on testing the new NASA rocket, SLS, and the Orion capsule [1]. The Artemis II mission, originally planned for 2024, has been rescheduled to April 2026 and aims to place a manned spacecraft in lunar orbit [1].
Artemis III will be the mission that will take the first human back to the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972. The MPH, along with the Orion capsule and the European Service Module, will play a vital role in this historic mission, furthering our understanding of the Moon and potentially setting the stage for future deep space exploration and a mission to Mars.
[1] NASA, "Artemis III," NASA, 2023, https://www.nasa.gov/artemis [2] SpaceNews, "Thales Alenia Space to Develop Lunar Habitat Module for Artemis," SpaceNews, 2023, https://spacenews.com/thales-alenia-space-to-develop-lunar-habitat-module-for-artemis/
- Due to Thales Alenia Space's involvement, the Artemis III mission marks a significant fusion of science, space-and-astronomy, and technology, as they develop the lunar habitat module essential for sustaining human presence on the Moon.
- With the MPH, a first-of-its-kind lunar habitat system, the Artemis program aims to revolutionize space-and-astronomy, fostering scientific exploration and potentially leading to further extended lunar missions and deep space endeavors.
