ESA signed a contract with Thales Alenia Space to start building the European module for the lunar Gateway that will provide the new human exploration facility with communications and refuelling.
The European System Providing Refueling, Infrastructure and Telecommunications (ESPRIT) will consist of two main elements: a system to provide data, voice and video communications from the Gateway to the Moon (for launch in 2024 ) and a refueling module that will provide the Gateway with xenon and chemical propellants (for launch in 2026).
The contract is worth 296.5 million Euros and will be built as a joint effort with Thales Alenia Space in Italy and the United Kingdom.
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