In a groundbreaking advancement for lunar exploration, Thales Alenia Space (TAS) and the Italian Space Agency (ASI) have announced the signing of a contract to develop the first human outpost on the moon. This key development supports NASA’s Artemis program—an international initiative aimed at establishing a sustainable human presence on the lunar surface as a precursor to future Mars missions.

TAS, a joint venture between France’s Thales Group and Italy’s Leonardo, will lead the project to design and construct the Multi-Purpose Habitation Module. Scheduled for launch in 2033 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the module will serve as a secure, multifunctional habitat for astronauts and will remain operational even during unmanned periods to conduct vital scientific experiments.

ASI President Teodoro Valente emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative, describing it as a testament to Italy’s long-term investment in space exploration and its growing leadership in the new global space race.

The module is engineered for a minimum lifespan of 10 years and will be built to withstand the moon’s extreme conditions, including high radiation, low gravity, and pervasive lunar dust. In addition to its role in supporting human life, it will also feature mobility capabilities on the lunar surface.

Under the two-year agreement, TAS will serve as the prime contractor, collaborating with ALTEC—a logistics and technology firm jointly owned by TAS and ASI—alongside other Italian industrial partners.

This contract marks a significant step forward in international cooperation and technological innovation for space exploration.