Over 400 lunar missions are planned in the coming decades. To accompany this frenzy, the Moonlight program emerges as a technical response to the increasing needs of space agencies and private companies.
This program aims to create a network of satellites in lunar orbit. By facilitating communication and navigation, Moonlight will support future lunar missions. This initiative is essential for a sustainable human presence on our satellite.
The implementation of the program will unfold in several stages. The first milestone will be the launch of Lunar Pathfinder, a relay satellite planned for 2026. This precursor will test the necessary technologies for the satellite constellation.
Once in orbit, Lunar Pathfinder will pave the way for several complementary satellites. These devices will provide high-capacity communication services and precise navigation, enabling safe lunar exploration. The primary goal is to ensure optimal coverage of the lunar south pole, an area of interest for its resource potential.
Moonlight is also part of an international collaboration framework. ESA is working with NASA and the Japanese agency JAXA on a project called LunaNet. This framework will facilitate interoperability between missions, allowing for efficient data sharing.
The economic impact of this program should not be underestimated. By pooling infrastructure, space agencies will be able to focus their efforts on exploration, while fostering commercial initiatives. A true lunar economy could thus emerge.
Moonlight, this ESA project aiming to put satellites in orbit around the Moon to facilitate communication and navigation during upcoming operations
Moreover, Moonlight is just the beginning. The technologies developed will serve to prepare missions to Mars. The MARCONI project aims to establish a communications infrastructure for our neighboring planet, reinforcing ESA's long-term vision.
A promising future is unfolding, marked by strategic collaborations and a relentless pursuit of new frontiers. The Moon is no longer just a satellite, but a field of exploration that will shape our space future.
Author of the article: Cédric DEPOND