The European Space Agency (ESA) is rethinking how we explore Mars. The LightShip program is designed to make Mars missions more affordable and accessible by focusing on small, low-cost spacecraft. It introduces new ways to overcome the usual challenges of interplanetary travel.
What is LightShip?
LightShip is an interplanetary transport system, like a space tug. It helps small spacecraft reach Mars by providing the propulsion needed for the journey and for entering Mars’ orbit. It also includes MARCONI, a communication and navigation system.
Who is involved?
Four teams, or consortia, are studying what a small Mars spacecraft platform could look like when paired with LightShip. These teams are led by Argotec, Deimos Space, Politecnico di Milano with SITAEL, and Redwire. Their work focuses on how small spacecraft can be built and adapted for Mars.
Why does LightShip matter?
Missions to Mars are typically expensive and handled by large organizations. ESA’s LightShip program changes that. By providing propulsion and communication support, it lowers the cost and technical barriers, allowing more groups—such as smaller companies and research institutions—to participate.
What happens next?
These studies will help define what small spacecraft can do in Mars missions. In 2026, ESA plans to use the results to develop full mission concepts. These missions could carry scientific instruments or other payloads. LightShip could also support future missions to other destinations, like the Moon or asteroids.
A new era of exploration
LightShip represents a shift in space exploration. By reducing costs and simplifying mission requirements, it opens Mars exploration to a wider community. This could lead to new scientific discoveries and collaborations, making space exploration more inclusive and innovative.
Source: ESA.
Image credit: ESA.
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