#Germany #Berlin #ESA #MOONRAKER #NUVIEW

NUVIEW's Moonraker Mission Selected by ESA for Phase A Study

On June 16, 2026, NUVIEW GmbH announced with great pride that its innovative Moonraker mission has been selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) for a crucial Phase A study under the program titled ‘Small Missions for Exploration – Destination the Moon.’ This mission marks a significant milestone for NUVIEW, a company recognized for its pioneering contributions to aerospace technology.

As the primary contractor leading an international consortium, NUVIEW aims to utilize space-based LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology to meticulously map the lunar surface. By deploying a LiDAR-equipped spacecraft into lunar orbit, the Moonraker mission intends to capture high-resolution three-dimensional elevation data, especially focusing on the Moon's polar regions and other priority areas. These detailed terrain models will play a vital role in identifying suitable landing sites, assessing hazards, and planning activities on the lunar surface for future robotic and crewed missions.

Katie Graumann, the Managing Director of NUVIEW Germany, emphasized the innovative nature of the mission, stating, “Moonraker is a direct extension of our commercial LiDAR architecture into lunar orbit. By adapting the systems we employ for Earth observation, we can provide reliable mission-critical terrain data that will help mitigate risks for future lunar landings and operations.” This initiative also highlights NUVIEW's commitment toward enhancing lunar exploration by improving the safety and reliability of future missions.

Central to the Moonraker mission is the Moon's South Pole region and other selected areas of interest, particularly those that are permanently shaded. Accurate terrain data is essential in these regions for evaluating potential landing sites and supporting essential exploration activities as well as resource utilization initiatives. The LiDAR data collected through Moonraker will be transmitted directly to Earth, where it will be processed into three-dimensional digital elevation models to facilitate mission planning and analysis.

Leonardo DiCaprio, the renowned actor and environmental advocate, who is also an investor in NUVIEW, stressed the importance of precise terrain information for responsible lunar exploration. He remarked, “By improving our understanding of the Moon through high-resolution 3D mapping, we can make smarter, safer decisions. Technologies like NUVIEW’s space-based LiDAR not only facilitate exploration but also underscore the significance of Earth observation and environmental data as humanity ventures beyond our planet.”

The Moonraker mission thus contributes to ESA's overarching goals of lunar exploration, further solidifying Europe’s leadership in the development of a sustainable infrastructure on the lunar surface.

About NUVIEW

NUVIEW is at the forefront of developing the world’s first commercial, space-based LiDAR satellite constellation, designed to deliver continuous global 3D height data from orbit. As pioneers in space-based LiDAR, NUVIEW blends cutting-edge satellite, sensor, and software technology to provide high-resolution, high-density data applicable to various sectors including climate, infrastructure, agriculture, national mapping, intelligence, and defense. For further information, follow NUVIEW on LinkedIn and X, or visit nuview.space.