Posted on 01/22/2019 4:03:57 PM PST by BenLurkin
The proposed mission would be launched on an Ariane 64, a version of the Ariane 6 with four strap-on boosters.
PTScientists, a German company that started as a team in the now-defunct Google Lunar X Prize competition for privately developed lunar landers, is responsible for the spacecraft. Belgian company Space Applications Services will provide ground control and communications services.
The study contract has a value of several hundred thousand euros, ArianeGroup spokesman Julien Watelet said Jan. 22. The study is intended to study the feasibility of such a mission, including whether it could be done using a more commercial approach.
“The [Phase] A/B1 study consists of concept and technology development, preliminary design and technology completion,” said Andreas Schepers, spokesman for PTScientists, Jan. 22. “We believe our European consortium with ArianeGroup and Space Applications Services is perfectly positioned to win the actual mission contract eventually.”
The study will be wrapping up around the time that ESA holds its next ministerial meeting, called Space19+, in November in Seville, Spain. ESA will likely ask ministers at that time to fund work on a lunar exploration campaign that could include the proposed lander.
(Excerpt) Read more at spacenews.com ...
Hmmm, the moon. America, first to the moon, destined to be last to back?
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