Europe’s Ambitious ‘Explore 2040’ Initiative Aims for Moon and Mars Exploration

The European Space Agency (ESA) has unveiled an ambitious strategy titled ‘Explore 2040,’ which outlines a comprehensive plan for Europe’s future in space exploration. This initiative, discussed at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2024 in Milan, aims to solidify Europe’s presence in space by targeting key milestones in low Earth orbit, the moon, and eventually Mars.

According to Daniel Neuenschwander, director of human and robotic exploration at ESA, the ‘Explore 2040’ strategy involves speeding up innovation and developing necessary transportation and infrastructure for exploration. The plan includes establishing a presence in low Earth orbit (LEO) post-International Space Station (ISS), with a focus on securing a LEO cargo program that can demonstrate end-to-end cargo delivery and return services to the ISS.

For lunar exploration, ESA is developing the Argonaut lander in partnership with Airbus, which will be crucial for enabling international cooperation and sustainable lunar operations. The Argonaut lander is designed to carry 1.7 tons of cargo to the moon, a significant step towards landing capabilities and surface operations.

The ultimate goal of ‘Explore 2040’ is to send humans to Mars. To achieve this, ESA is working on the LightShip program, an electric propulsive tug that will deliver passenger spacecraft to Mars, provide communication and navigation services, and carry scientific payloads. Additionally, ESA is committed to launching the Rosalind Franklin rover and participating in the Mars Sample Return mission with NASA.

The success of ‘Explore 2040’ hinges on the support of ESA’s 22 member states, which will be discussed at the upcoming 2025 Ministerial Council meeting. This meeting will determine the future course for Europe in space and the level of commitment to various programs.