MDA Space to Supply Lunar Landing Sensors for ESA Argonaut Mission

MDA Space Ltd. has received a Pre-Authorisation to Proceed contract from OHB System to deliver advanced lunar landing sensors for the European Space Agency (ESA)'s Argonaut lunar spacecraft, announced in a press release.

The agreement allows MDA Space to begin engineering work and procurement activities from its UK base, with support from the UK Space Agency, ahead of the expected full contract. Under the upcoming contract, MDA Space is set to supply two flight units of its LEIA Light Detection and Ranging sensor for the Argonaut mission.

The LEIA sensor, developed in the UK, will serve as part of the spacecraft’s hazard detection and avoidance system. It will generate three dimensional terrain maps in real time to help the spacecraft identify craters, boulders, and other surface features during descent. The sensor’s adaptive scan pattern operates within a 40 degree field of view over five seconds and maintains accuracy regardless of lighting conditions.

The Argonaut programme represents ESA's first independent capability to deliver cargo and scientific instruments to the lunar surface. OHB System is responsible for the mission’s guidance, navigation and control, telemetry, tracking and command, and electrical power subsystems, while Thales Alenia Space serves as the prime contractor.