Cis-lunar Transfer Vehicle CLTV Study to be Led by Thales

A contract has been signed between Thales Alenia Space and the ESA study of a Cis-Lunar Transfer Vehicle (CLTV), a transportation logistic space vehicle to be used for a variety of missions: from the logistic resupply of Lunar Gateway pressurized modules, to the transportation of space infrastructure in low Earth orbit, and the potential use in future missions in support of the European Large Logistic Lander (EL3). The contract has an estimated value of $5.46 million.

Thales Alenia Space is one of the prime contractors for the entire study phase (A/B1 project stage), cooperating with OHB as main partner and with ALTEC (Aerospace Logistics Technology Engineering), a joint subsidiary of Thales Alenia Space and ASI, for the ground segment operations.

The study aims to provide ESA a complete logistic service vehicle, usable in different space exploration destinations, from the low Earth orbit to the Cislunar and Lunar environment. The Cis-lunar Transfer Vehicle is designed to be compatible and to communicate seamlessly with other modules that Thales Alenia Space is developing for NASA, ESA and the Italian Space Agency (ASI), such as European Large Logistic Lander, International Habitat (IHAB), European System Providing Refueling, Infrastructure and Telecommunications (ESPRIT), the Human Landing System (HLS) and the future Lunar ground infrastructures.

The Preliminary design review will be taking place in mid-2021, while the System Design Review, planned for late 2022, will mark the end of the Study phase and will introduce the engineering and development phase.

Thales Alenia Space is also the Prime Contractor for the study of European Large Logistic Lander (EL3), responsible for the whole mission architecture and mission integration. EL3 is an independent element of the international lunar exploration activities, envisioned as a versatile system that can support a variety of missions. The first two priority missions which will be studied, deal with a cargo delivery mission in support of the NASA ARTEMIS program, and a polar rover scientific mission as an independent European enterprise to explore the Lunar southern area.

(Image provided with Thales Alenia Space news release)