MDA Space UK has received a Pre-Authorisation to Proceed contract from OHB System to begin work on advanced lunar landing sensors for the European Space Agency’s Argonaut spacecraft. The technology will support autonomous hazard detection and safe landings on the Moon.
The preliminary contract allows MDA Space to immediately begin engineering work and purchase components with long lead times from its UK operations. The work is being supported by the UK Space Agency and will proceed ahead of an anticipated definitive agreement.
Under the expected full contract, MDA Space would supply two flight units of its LEIA Light Detection and Ranging sensor for Argonaut’s inaugural lunar mission. The final scope remains subject to execution of a definitive agreement with OHB.
Argonaut is intended to provide Europe with its first independent lunar landing capability. The spacecraft will transport cargo and scientific instruments to the lunar surface in support of a sustained human and robotic presence.
The mission is being coordinated with NASA’s Artemis program. Argonaut’s Lunar Descent Element is being developed under the prime contractorship of Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales and Leonardo.
OHB is part of the mission’s core industrial team. The company is responsible for the guidance, navigation and control system, telemetry, tracking and command system, and electrical power subsystem.
MDA Space’s LEIA sensor will form part of the spacecraft’s Hazard Detection and Avoidance system. The technology is designed to identify craters, boulders, uneven surfaces and other hazards while the lander descends toward the Moon.
LEIA uses three-dimensional scanning LiDAR to generate real-time maps of the terrain below the spacecraft. The system can then help the lander autonomously identify and navigate toward a safer landing site.
LiDAR determines distance by transmitting laser light and measuring how long it takes for reflected light to return. Unlike camera-based systems, the technology can provide precise terrain information under a wide range of lighting conditions.
LEIA’s adaptive scanning pattern is designed to compensate for movement by the lander. The compact sensor can cover a 40-degree field of view in five seconds while limiting mass, an important consideration for lunar spacecraft.
The sensor was developed in the UK with support from the UK Space Agency. The contract allows MDA Space to contribute British-developed technology to Europe’s broader lunar exploration and infrastructure strategy.
MDA Space has experience supplying standardized sensors for lunar landings, orbital debris removal, rendezvous and docking, and Earth observation. Its LEIA and FLARE sensors have also been selected for multiple commercial lunar missions.
The collaboration was formalized during the Farnborough International Airshow. MDA Space said the selection demonstrates the growing role of the UK space sector in precision landing, exploration and autonomous spacecraft technologies.
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“This partnership with OHB underscores our expertise in autonomous landing technologies and demonstrates the strength and innovation of the UK space sector. By providing LEIA, our advanced 3D sensor technology, MDA Space will contribute directly to enabling Europe’s independent access and sustained presence on the Moon for the first time.”
Andrew Stanniland, Managing Director of MDA Space UK
“The selection of MDA Space for the Argonaut mission is a testament to Britain’s growing leadership in lunar technology and exploration. 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.”
“We’re proud to back MDA Space to unlock new opportunities for the future for science and ultimately our economy.”
Liz Lloyd, UK Space Minister
