The 72nd International Astronautical Congress (IAC) was the launchpad of EURO2MOON, a Luxembourg-based non-profit organisation aimed at positioning Europe as a leading actor of the lunar economy.
Bringing in expertise from public and private partners, EURO2MOON will focus on topics related to the exploration of the lunar surface and the utilisation of its resources in a commercial and sustainable way.
A joint creation of Airbus, Air Liquide and ispace Europe, the news were revealed at the world’s leading space event IAC, in late-October, in the presence of Luxembourg’s space delegation to Dubai led by Minister of the Economy Franz Fayot.
“Platform of exchange”
The Luxembourg-based association will serve as a “platform of exchange in order to build a common vision and promote it among the European industrial and institutional ecosystems,” an official statement reveals.
“This is a very important initiative to foster a thriving cis-lunar industry in Europe, and we look forward to collaborating with many more stakeholders in Europe on this effort,” said Julien-Alexandre Lamamy, Managing Director of Luxembourg-based ispace Europe, following the EURO2MOON launch.
“The Moon will present enormous opportunities over the coming decades both scientifically and economically.”
Andreas Hammer
“The Moon will present enormous opportunities over the coming decades both scientifically and economically. By uniting our efforts in Europe we can harness our skills and expertise to bring maximum benefits for everyone on Earth,” said in a statement Andreas Hammer, Head of Space Exploration at Airbus.
EURO2MOON will also provide recommendations on global roadmaps, demonstration concepts and commercial programmes and will address topics such as long-duration transport, life support, and energy needs for scientific and commercial applications.
First members
Luxembourg authorities must be over the moon about the association’s launch, which fits in perfectly with the national space economic development strategy. It complements the Grand Duchy’s pioneering work in offering in 2017 the first European, and second worldwide, legal framework in the exploration and utilisation of space resources, and cements the various initiatives since 2016 to build an attractive space sector, boasting some 70 companies, and a booming NewSpace ecosystem, including the creation of a future space campus.
The European Space Resources Innovation Centre (ESRIC), the world’s only innovation centre focused on the utilisation of space resources, based in Luxembourg, has become the first non-founding member of EURO2MOON, while Jean-Jacques Dordain, ESA Director General from 2003 to 2015, has become the organisation’s first honorary member.
“Not asking for the moon”
The non-profit association is open to industrial partners as well as research organisations interested in the development of technologies or services that can benefit lunar resources management.
Companies with headquarters or key activities in the European Union, as well as member states of the European Space Agency are eligible to join EURO2MOON.
This article was first published in the Silicon Luxembourg magazine. Read the full digital version of the magazine on our website, here. You can also choose to receive a hard copy at the office or at home. Subscribe now.
