The European Space Agency has published an overview of its lunar activities, describing the Moon as a destination for discovery, innovation and international cooperation, and as a place to develop the knowledge and technologies needed to live and work beyond Earth. The agency says its lunar science and technology work examines the Moon's environment and potential resources while testing communications, navigation and landing technologies for future missions.

According to ESA, its Moon Explore initiative supports lower-cost, faster lunar mission concepts that accept higher risk. Current efforts include MAGPIE, described as ESA's first lunar rover, and three candidate orbital missions that would map terrain and resources, monitor radiation and study regolith. The Argonaut lander programme, ESA says, will begin launching in late 2030 on four-booster Ariane 6 rockets and carry up to 1.5 tonnes of cargo.

ESA also describes its role in NASA's Artemis programme. Its European Service Module powers the Orion spacecraft, providing propulsion, electricity, air and water, with contributions from over 100 suppliers, and ESA astronauts are to join Artemis missions, starting with Luca Parmitano as pilot for Artemis III, according to the agency.