NUVIEW's Moonraker Mission Selected by ESA for Lunar Terrain Mapping

NUVIEW's Moonraker Mission Selected by ESA for Lunar Exploration

On June 16, 2026, NUVIEW GmbH was proud to announce that its Moonraker mission has been chosen by the European Space Agency (ESA) for a critical Phase A study. This initiative is part of ESA's Small Missions for Exploration – Destination the Moon program. Serving as the prime contractor, NUVIEW leads an international consortium that aims to enhance lunar terrain mapping through advanced space-based LiDAR technology.

The Moonraker mission plans to deploy a LiDAR-equipped spacecraft into lunar orbit, creating high-resolution, three-dimensional elevation models of the Moon's polar regions and other significant areas. This data is pivotal for identifying potential landing sites, assessing hazards, and planning surface operations for both robotic and crewed space missions in the future.

Katie Graumann, CEO of NUVIEW Germany, expressed her enthusiasm about the mission. "Moonraker is the next step in expanding our commercial LiDAR capabilities into lunar space. By adapting the technology we currently use for Earth observation, we can supply critical terrain data that mitigates risks for upcoming lunar landings and surface activities," she stated.

Targeting the lunar South Pole and specific regions of interest, including areas that are permanently shaded from sunlight, the mission emphasizes the necessity of accurate terrain information. Such data is essential for evaluating suitable landing sites and providing crucial support for future exploration and resource utilization efforts. As the LiDAR data collected by Moonraker will be transmitted back to Earth, it will be converted into 3D Digital Elevation Models, facilitating meticulous mission planning and operational analysis.

Adding to the mission's significance, prominent actor and environmental advocate Leonardo DiCaprio, an investor in NUVIEW, highlighted the vital role of accurate terrain intelligence in promoting responsible lunar exploration. He asserted, "High-resolution 3D mapping gives us the tools needed to make informed and safer decisions. Technologies such as NUVIEW’s space-based LiDAR empower exploration while underlining the importance of Earth observation and environmental intelligence as humanity reaches for the stars."

Moonraker will contribute to ESA's extensive lunar exploration goals, bolstering European leadership in establishing long-term lunar surface architectures. NUVIEW's vision extends beyond immediate lunar applications, as it is progressing towards developing the world’s first commercial space-based LiDAR satellite constellation. This constellation aims to provide consistent, global 3D elevation data from orbit, with numerous applications spanning climate monitoring, infrastructure, agriculture, national mapping, intelligence, and defense.

For ongoing updates and more information about NUVIEW’s initiatives, follow them on LinkedIn and X, or explore their website at nuview.space.

As the Moon's allure steers humanity's ambitions for extraterrestrial exploration, innovative projects like Moonraker chart the course for a future where responsible practices pave the way for sustainable growth beyond our planetary home.