ESA Awards Argonaut Lander Robotic Arm Prototype Contract
MANUS System Will be Developed by Redwire
The European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded a contract for the development of a robotic arm prototype for the agency’s Argonaut Lunar Lander to Redwire. ESA is working to establish the capability for Europe to land 1,500-1,800 kg (3,300-4,000 pounds) of cargo, infrastructure, and scientific instruments on the lunar surface.
“Technology developments are essential in building capacity to go further in the direction of a sustainable utilization of space resources."
Mathias Link, Luxembourg Space Agency
The Manipulator for Argonaut Payload Needs and Unloading Support (MANUS) system will be a crucial capability for Argonaut’s logistics operations on the lunar surface. The MANUS system will enable Argonaut’s surface logistics operations such as offloading, precise positioning and retrieval of objects, and positioning of the lander. Redwire will develop, breadboard, test and verify the functions of the MANUS with the opportunity to compete for a follow-on contract.
“As a leader in robotic arm development and with a proven track record of delivering innovative solutions for ambitious space exploration missions, Redwire’s robotic capabilities are poised to play a crucial role in future European space missions, contributing to lunar exploration and paving the way for advancements in space exploration technology,” said Jaroslaw Jaworski Managing Director of Redwire Space’s Luxembourg Facility.
MANUS will be developed at Redwire’s Luxembourg facility, which currently develops Redwire’s STAARK robotic arm, a modular and easily customized robotic system designed for various on-orbit robotics applications.
“With challenging reference scenarios for three potential Argonaut missions to address and challenging user requirements to meet, it will be an interesting 18 months until the close-out of this activity,” said Dr. Gunter Just, ESA Robotics Engineer.
“Technology developments are essential in building capacity to go further in the direction of a sustainable utilization of space resources. The lunar robotic arm project that Redwire will be working on, here in Luxembourg, for ESA’s moon lander is not only a testimony of Luxembourg’s successful strategy in developing a thriving space ecosystem, but will also contribute to further position the country as a European hub for commercial space and for space resources in particular,” says Mathias Link, deputy CEO of the Luxembourg Space Agency.