Airbus studies “Moon Cruiser” concept for ESA’s cis-lunar transfer vehicle airbus.com

Airbus has been awarded a CLTV (Cis-Lunar Transfer Vehicle) study for a “Moon Cruiser” by the European Space Agency (ESA). The spacecraft will be based on existing and proven technologies and will complement the multipurpose European Large Logistic Lander (EL3).

The Airbus Moon Cruiser concept supports:

· Gateway logistics: the CLTV can transport cargo or fuel for refuelling in lunar orbit and to the Gateway.

· Transfer of a large Lunar Module into Low Lunar Orbit: The CLTV is required to fly a lander or an ascent stage between the Gateway and the low lunar orbit, to perform landing and ascent missions with larger and more extensive services

· CLTV’s versatility will also allow it to support missions to post-ISS orbital infrastructure in LEO as well as missions in the field of GEO satcom servicing.

The CLTV can be launched on Ariane 6, and it could transport a module of over 4.5 tonnes to the Gateway. The European Space Agency ESA could deploy the CLTV in the second half of the decade and it is planned that the CLTV will literally “cruise” on a direct flight path to the Moon.

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