#Germany #Berlin #ESA #MOONRAKER #NUVIEW

NUVIEW's Moonraker Mission Selected by ESA

On June 16, 2026, NUVIEW GmbH made an exciting announcement that its Moonraker mission has been selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) for a Phase A study. This selection is part of ESA's Small Missions for Exploration program, focusing on the Moon. NUVIEW, a leader in space-based LiDAR technology, will serve as the prime contractor in an international consortium dedicated to mapping lunar terrain using light detection and ranging (LiDAR).

The Moonraker mission will utilize a spacecraft equipped with LiDAR technology to orbit the Moon and generate high-resolution, three-dimensional elevation data. This crucial data will focus on the Moon's polar regions, which have been identified as priority areas for exploration. The resulting terrain models will aid in landing site identification, hazard assessments, and planning for future robotic and human missions to the lunar surface.

"Moonraker represents a natural evolution of our commercial LiDAR technology into a lunar context," said Katie Graumann, CEO of NUVIEW Germany. "By leveraging the systems we've developed for Earth observation, we aim to deliver mission-critical terrain data that can minimize risks associated with future lunar landings and surface operations."

Focus Areas and Data Collection

The mission will predominantly target the lunar South Pole and other specific regions of interest, especially those that are permanently shaded. Accurate terrain data in these areas is vital for assessing potential landing sites and facilitating future exploration and resource extraction activities. The LiDAR data acquired through Moonraker will be directly transmitted back to Earth, where it will be processed into three-dimensional Digital Elevation Models. These models will be instrumental for pre-mission planning and analysis.

Leonardo DiCaprio, a notable investor in NUVIEW, also emphasized the broader implications of this project for responsible lunar exploration. He stated, "Understanding the Moon through high-resolution 3D mapping enables us to make informed, safer decisions. Technologies like NUVIEW's space-based LiDAR not only enhance exploration capabilities but also underline the importance of Earth observation and environmental intelligence as humanity ventures beyond our planet."

Supporting ESA's Lunar Exploration Goals

Moonraker plays a significant role in supporting ESA's overarching objectives for lunar exploration, reinforcing Europe's leadership in establishing sustainable lunar infrastructure. As global interest in lunar missions continues to accelerate, NUVIEW's project positions it at the forefront of technological advancement in space exploration.

About NUVIEW

NUVIEW is pioneering the development of the first-ever commercial satellite constellation utilizing space-based LiDAR to provide continuous, global three-dimensional elevation data. As a market leader in this domain, NUVIEW merges advanced satellite technology, cutting-edge sensors, and sophisticated software solutions to offer high-resolution, high-density data pertinent to various sectors, including climate research, infrastructure, agriculture, national mapping, intelligence, and defense.

Follow NUVIEW on LinkedIn and X, and discover more about their innovative solutions at nuview.space.