In order to secure Europe’s position in space exploration and benefit from the numerous scientific, economic, and societal rewards, ESA is publicly declaring its new exploration roadmap after its demonstration to its Council( the agency’s highest ruling body.)
The document Terrae Novae 2030+ arranges the groundwork for Europe to guarantee its leading role in space exploration for future success.
“This new long-term roadmap for exploration is now available to guide decision-makers who will ultimately make the choices on how far to take Europe on the journey of deep-space exploration,” announces ESA’s Director of Human and Robotic Exploration David Parker.
“Terrae Novae is not only literally about exploring new worlds, but by describing the limitless opportunities for discovery, economic growth, and inspiration, it also expresses our ambitions for Europe’s future innovators, scientists, and explorers.
“We hope that everyone can use this roadmap to make our three-part vision a reality: to continue a strong presence working in low-Earth orbit, to send the first European astronauts to explore the Moon throughout the 2030s, and to prepare Europe’s role in the first historic human voyage to Mars.”
While ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti proceeds with her Minerva mission on the International Space Station, the first European Service Module for Artemis anticipates its launch and construction of the lunar Gateway gathers momentum. ESA is already looking forward to fascinating new projects. These encompass the European Large Logistic Lander manufactured to support human exploration of the Moon; and the Earth Return Orbiter. The earth orbiter is the spacecraft that will return from Mars with valuable scientific samples as part of the NASA/ESA Mars Sample Return campaign.