Europe & the Moon

In this talk, Lars Petzold, Lead Exploration at the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI), will examine Europe’s role in the renewed race to the Moon. Starting from Europe’s contributions to international lunar programmes such as Artemis, including the European Service Module and elements of the Lunar Gateway, the talk will look at ESA’s own initiatives, from the Argonaut lunar lander to lunar communication and navigation services. We will discuss whether Europe should act primarily as a reliable partner or pursue greater strategic autonomy in lunar exploration, how it positions itself between American and Chinese led initiatives, and what political, industrial, and financial choices will determine Europe’s place on and around the Moon in the coming decades.