During the World Space Business Week in Paris, Julien Lamamy, Managing Director of ispace Europe, outlined the company’s ambitious plans for lunar exploration. The discussion, hosted by Mike Gruss of SpaceNews, highlighted key achievements and future projects, particularly the development of cost-effective technologies aimed at exploring the Moon.
ispace Europe was established in 2017 as a subsidiary of ispace, which has been operational for fifteen years. Lamamy emphasized how the company has evolved, noting that when ispace Europe began, it had just twenty employees. Over the past year, the company has marked significant milestones, including the successful testing and launch of its first lunar rover. This rover is designed to enhance surface mobility and facilitate data collection for various missions.
The rover’s development involved a series of lessons learned, particularly regarding efficiency and cost reduction. Lamamy explained that the company adopts a different approach compared to larger organizations such as NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). By prioritizing speed and cost-effectiveness, ispace Europe has established a model for future rover missions. The rover underwent extensive tests while still attached to the lander, validating many of the shortcuts taken during its development.
One of the most exciting upcoming projects is the MAGPIE mission, which aims to explore hydrogen on the Moon. Lamamy described MAGPIE as a small, 30-kilogram rover equipped with advanced instruments to determine the form of hydrogen present on the lunar surface. This mission represents a significant step for European lunar exploration, as it will be the first dedicated European mission to study the Moon’s geological context in detail.
MAGPIE has already achieved several key milestones, including the completion of two reviews and progress through its development phases. The next crucial step will occur at the ESA ministerial council in November, where funding for the mission will be considered. If approved, the launch could take place in the late 2020s.
Collaboration is vital for success in space exploration, and Lamamy discussed the importance of partnerships across various national and international agencies. Working within the complex framework of European space agencies, ispace Europe is committed to developing new capabilities and mission services. MAGPIE is poised to be a model for future collaborations, particularly with its potential launch on an ispace lander in partnership with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
The lunar economy is gaining momentum, with increasing interest from both government and private sectors. Lamamy noted that the landscape has changed dramatically since he joined ispace eight years ago, with new programs and initiatives emerging to support lunar exploration. The company’s collaboration with established industries, such as mining, is opening new opportunities for resource extraction on the Moon.
Luxembourg, where ispace Europe is based, has become a notable hub for space resources. The country has successfully cultivated a robust ecosystem, attracting over seventy companies focused on various aspects of space exploration. Lamamy expressed optimism about the next five years, envisioning a more interconnected network of companies that can collectively advance lunar resource initiatives.
Looking ahead, Lamamy hopes that ispace Europe will influence Europe’s lunar strategy and demonstrate that smaller companies can play a significant role in enhancing lunar access and resource development. As international interest in lunar exploration continues to surge, ispace Europe stands at the forefront, ready to contribute to humanity’s understanding and utilization of lunar resources.