Toronto-based SFL Missions Inc. will help design a lunar mapping satellite tasked with guiding future astronauts safely to the surface of the moon.
The European Space Agency selected a consortium led by NUVIEW to conduct the Phase A engineering study for a project known as Moonraker. SFL Missions, a commercial spinoff from the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies Space Flight Laboratory, serves as the spacecraft platform developer. The small satellite will carry a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) payload to generate three-dimensional models of the lunar south pole. This region is the primary target for the NASA-led Artemis program and its proposed long-term moon base.
Moonraker will scan the lunar surface to identify hazards and verify smooth terrain before mission planners commit to a landing site. SFL Missions will build the orbiter around its DAUNTLESS-L platform. The scalable one-cubic-metre spacecraft can weigh up to 500 kilograms and support a 300-kilogram payload. The engineering team must solve several hardware challenges to support the laser scanner in deep space. The spacecraft requires substantial electrical power generation and battery storage to operate the payload. It also needs precision navigation to ensure accurate data collection. To manage the resulting high-volume data downlink back to Earth, the spacecraft will feature a high-gain antenna provided by Canadian manufacturer AEM Antennas.
“This work included development of a preliminary spacecraft concept based on SFL’s DAUNTLESS-L platform,” SFL Missions director Robert E. Zee said regarding the successful preliminary design review. “We see tremendous potential for Moonraker to contribute to lunar science, exploration, and future surface operations.”
The satellite will operate in a low polar orbit. Maintaining a tight altitude requires a large propulsion capacity to counter the irregular gravity field of the moon. SFL Missions is also developing thermal control systems to protect the internal electronics from extreme temperature shifts. NUVIEW is adapting its commercial Earth observation laser technology for the harsh lunar environment.
This contract follows recent work by SFL Missions on the Moonraker concept study in 2025. During the newly awarded Phase A period, the consortium will refine system requirements and prove the technical feasibility of the design. If the project receives final approval, SFL Missions will handle spacecraft manufacturing, environmental testing, and on-orbit commissioning.