MDA Space wins contract to supply lunar sensors for ESA Argonaut mission

MDA Space Ltd. ( NYSE: MDA) has received a Pre-Authorisation to Proceed contract from OHB System AG to supply lunar landing sensors for the European Space Agency's Argonaut spacecraft, the company announced July 21, 2026.

The contract was formalized at the Farnborough International Airshow. Under the agreement, MDA Space's UK operations will begin engineering activities and procure long-lead items ahead of an anticipated full contract. Subject to a definitive agreement, MDA Space is expected to deliver two flight units of its LEIA LiDAR sensor for Argonaut's inaugural lunar mission.

Argonaut is described as Europe's first independent lunar landing mission. The spacecraft's Lunar Descent Element is being developed under prime contractor Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), with OHB System AG responsible for the guidance, navigation and control, telemetry, tracking and command, and electrical power subsystems. The mission will transport cargo and scientific instruments to the Moon in coordination with NASA's Artemis program.

LEIA, developed in the UK with support from the UK Space Agency, will serve as a component of Argonaut's Hazard Detection and Avoidance system. The sensor uses 3D scanning LiDAR to generate real-time terrain maps, enabling the spacecraft to identify surface hazards such as craters and boulders during descent. The system covers a 40-degree field of view in five seconds and operates independently of lighting conditions.

"This partnership with OHB underscores our expertise in autonomous landing technologies," said Andrew Stanniland, Managing Director of MDA Space UK.

UK Space Minister Liz Lloyd noted the selection reflects domestic capabilities in lunar technology, citing sensor development in Didcot as an example of UK industrial contribution to the mission.

MDA Space's LEIA and FLARE sensors have previously been selected for multiple commercial lunar missions, according to the company's press release.

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