MDA Space Ltd. said its United Kingdom division has secured a Pre-Authorization to Proceed contract from OHB System AG (OHB), a space systems provider headquartered in Bremen, Germany, to supply lunar landing sensors for the European Space Agency’s Argonaut spacecraft.
The agreement was announced at the Farnborough International Airshow. It allows MDA Space UK to begin engineering activities and procure long-lead items. Under the anticipated full contract, the company will deliver two flight units of its LEIA (LiDAR for Extra-terrestrial Imaging Applications) sensor for the inaugural Argonaut mission to the Moon.
Argonaut represents the first independent lunar landing capability for Europe. The spacecraft will transport cargo and scientific instruments to support a sustained presence on the moon, operating alongside the Artemis program. Thales Alenia Space is the prime contractor for the lunar descent element. OHB System AG is responsible for delivering three critical subsystems, including guidance, navigation and control.
The LEIA sensor, a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), is a core component of the hazard detection and avoidance system on the spacecraft. The unit conducts 3D scanning to generate real-time terrain maps during descent. This enables Argonaut to autonomously identify surface hazards, such as craters and boulders, and select a safe landing site. The system uses an adaptive scan pattern that compensates for lander motion and operates independently of lighting conditions.
“This partnership with OHB underscores our expertise in autonomous landing technologies and demonstrates the strength and innovation of the UK space sector,” said Andrew Stanniland, managing director of MDA Space UK.
The LEIA technology traces its roots back to Neptec UK. The system was originally developed with funding and support from the UK Space Agency to handle automated lunar landings and orbital rendezvous operations. MDA acquired the Neptec Design Group and its UK subsidiary in July 2018. That strategic purchase integrated the 3D space LiDAR sensor technology into the broader space robotics and commercial sensor portfolio of MDA.
“The selection of MDA Space for the Argonaut mission is a testament to Britain’s growing leadership in lunar technology and exploration,” said Liz Lloyd, UK Space Minister. “This milestone shows the UK has the expertise to underpin Europe’s lunar ambitions, from precision landing sensors developed in Didcot to descent engines tested in Buckinghamshire.”