What Happened
Europe Relies On External Data For Early Missions
The European Space Agency is working towards developing its own lunar mapping capability for its Argonaut lunar lander, but will rely on external data for the design phase and possibly the first mission. The agency aims to support NASA’s Artemis program while providing Europe with independent access to the lunar surface. Several spacefaring countries have invested in high-resolution topographic mapping, but Europe currently lacks sovereign data. According to SpaceNews, ESA will need to procure data from other providers, with the US, India, and China being potential sources.