Lunar Pathfinder

Lunar Pathfinder during its integration and testing campaign at Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), United Kingdom.

Lunar Pathfinder is ESA’s first lunar communications relay satellite, developed through a commercial partnership with SSTL in the United Kingdom. Operating in lunar orbit, it will relay data between Earth and spacecraft operating on and around the Moon, helping to support a new era of lunar exploration. 

Lunar Pathfinder is the first element of Moonlight, ESA’s future communications and navigation service for the Moon. The mission will provide Europe’s first dedicated lunar communications infrastructure while paving the way for a future lunar service constellation.