The system will provide a single service for future Moon missions
The UK has set its sights on the Moon, as the UK Space Agency has allocated over £50 million to develop lunar communications and navigations services. The funds are part of the European Space Agency’s Moonlight programme, which aims to launch a constellation of satellites into lunar orbit capable of providing high-speed data transfer with Earth in 2028.
“This is an incredibly exciting time for space exploration, with the successful Artemis I mission paving the way for humanity’s return to the Moon in the coming years,” says UK Space Agency chief executive Paul Bate. “These endeavours are more international and more commercial than ever before – and by playing a leading role in the ESA Moonlight programme, we are opening up significant opportunities for UK companies to build on their extensive expertise in satellite technology and benefit from the new lunar economy.” space.blog.gov.uk