The ESA led HERACLES robotic mission, scheduled for launch in 2026, represents the first step in the return of humans to the moon
Its remit is to test technologies in preparation for the future arrival of astronauts, by taking a rover to the moon that collects samples and scouts the terrain, as well as an ESA built spacecraft that returns these samples to the lunar Gateway
HERACLES represents a great technological space-exploration challenge for Europe and will pave the way for future missions to the moon and the planets