Europa will not be left behind in conquering the Solar System. The European Space Agency (ESA) has just released its roadmap and is betting, among other missions, that for the first time a European will step on the moon
Here the complete ESA program
The aim of the ambitious programme, which they called Terrae Novae (new worlds in Latin), is to conduct the human journey from Europe to the solar system by different routes:
- Use explorer robots for different planets, satellites and asteroids, as precursors and explorers, and return the benefits of exploration to society.
- Create new opportunities in low Earth orbit for a sustained European presence in the post-ISS era.
- Getting the first European to explore the surface of the Moon in 2030 as a step towards sustainable lunar exploration in the 2030s.
- Actively participate in the program that will finally take a human being to Mars.
That Spain has a Space Agency will be essential to be able to join the European program as first level members.
A European on the Moon
A European astronaut on the Moon. Photo: ESA–Olivier Pâques
ESA bets with this script for realizing the ambition of having the first European astronaut on the surface of the Moon before 2030, providing autonomous landing capabilities on the Moon for European missions in a context of international cooperation, developing scientific and infrastructure assets and in turn preparing for a mission sustained lunar exploration into the 2030s, possibly also taking advantage of new opportunities for cooperation in human landing capabilities and surface mobility.
Mars at the end of the next decade
A European astronaut will set foot on Mars. Illustration: ESA–Olivier Pâques
ESA’s second objective is to implement a vision for long-term robotic exploration of Mars, which will pave the way for the over-the-horizon goal of having the first European on Mars by the end of the next decade, taking the lead in, for example, survival technologies, mastery of radioisotope energy sources, entry, descent and landing of small and eventually large logistics payloads, and more scientific knowledge of a sister world.
In a bold vision to secure Europe’s role in space exploration and thus benefit from the many scientific, economic and social rewards, ESA presented your new exploration roadmap after your presentation to your Addendum highest body of the agency.
Securing Europe’s future in space
Called Terrae Novae 2030+ ( new worlds in Latin), the document lays the groundwork for Europe to secure its leading role in space exploration for future prosperity.
“This new long-term exploration roadmap is now available to guide decision makers who will ultimately decide how far to take Europe on the journey of deep space exploration,” the report reads. ESA’s Director of Human and Robotic Exploration, David Parker.
“Terrae Novae is not just about literally exploring new worlds, but in describing the limitless opportunities for discovery, economic growth and inspiration, it also expresses our ambitions for Europe’s future innovators, scientists and explorers”, David Parker.
The director of Human Exploration adds: “We hope everyone can use this roadmap to realize our three-part vision: to continue a strong presence working in low Earth orbit, send the first European astronauts to explore the Moon during the 2030s, and prepare up for the role in the first historic human voyage to Mars.”
The missions in which Europe is involved
As ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti continues her minerva mission on the International Space Station, the first European service module for Artemis awaits its launch and the construction of the moon portal gaining traction, ESA is already looking forward to new and exciting projects.
These include the Large European Logistics Landing Module designed to support human exploration of the Moon; it’s him Return to Earth Orbital the spacecraft that will return from Mars with valuable scientific samples as part of the Mars Sample Return Campaign from NASA/ESA.
Terrae Novae Destinations: Mars
In this context, the range of new candidate exploration campaigns is based on ESA’s capabilities, from space transport (including future launchers) to operations, technology, communication, navigation, applications and commercialization.
An astronaut on a space station in Earth orbit. Illustration: ESA–Olivier Pâques
The underlying ability to launch and deliver payloads to low Earth orbit, the Moon and Mars is a unifying theme that will ensure continued scientific advances and technological developments, thus ensuring that Europe maintains a place at the forefront of space explorers.
As ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher explains: “More than any other space activity, space exploration offers a unique combination of curiosity and opportunity: the curiosity to venture into the unknown in search of new horizons and new knowledge; and the opportunity to give back to society the multiple benefits of making the trip.
“I now invite our policy makers to set Europe’s ambition level so that ESA, together with all its stakeholders, can make this strategic roadmap a reality”, concludes Aschbacher.