MoonRAD

An artist impression of MoonRAD investigating the radiation environment in lunar orbit.

Beyond Earth’s protective atmosphere and magnetic field lies a challenging radiation environment. MoonRAD is a planned lunar orbiter that would monitor radiation, energetic particles and plasma around the Moon over several years. Led by Hungarian company Remred, MoonRAD's measurements will improve space-weather models and help engineers protect astronauts, spacecraft electronics and lunar infrastructure from the hazards of the space environment.

MoonRAD is one of four candidate missions that are part of ESA's Moon Explore initiative. By accepting a higher level of risk in exchange for lower cost and faster development, the initiative aims to deliver valuable missions to the Moon within just a few years while helping European teams develop new capabilities for future exploration.