Thales Alenia Space has signed a two-year contract with the Italian Space Agency, or ASI, to begin preliminary design work on Italy’s first human habitat on the moon. Announced on Friday, the agreement entrusts the Thales-Leonardo joint venture with the development of the Multi-Purpose Habitation module, or MPH, a pressurized outpost that will serve as a permanent astronaut facility on the lunar surface.
Under the contract, Thales Alenia Space Italy as prime will lead a national industrial team that includes Altec, a public-private company jointly owned by Thales Alenia Space and ASI. The initial phase will focus on developing critical technologies needed for the harsh lunar environment, including extreme temperatures and radiation.
“The future lunar module … is part of a long-term investment vision that Italy has implemented, enabling us to play an increasingly leading role in the new space race and, moreover, to be a fundamental part of the Moon to Mars Strategy of NASA’s Artemis program,” ASI President Teodoro Valente said in a statement. He added that the contract builds on long-standing NASA-ASI collaboration and reflects Rome’s commitment to supporting the space economy.
Planned for launch in 2033, the MPH module will be the first dedicated habitation unit on the moon’s surface developed under the Artemis Accords between NASA and ASI. Apart from housing astronauts, it will support both crewed and uncrewed science operations and allow mobility across the lunar terrain. Built for a lifespan of at least 10 years, the habitat will also integrate with other elements of the broader Artemis architecture.
This lunar project is one of several key space initiatives for Thales Alenia Space. Earlier this year, ASI also selected the company to lead its Surface Biology and Geology-Thermal Infrared Earth observation mission with NASA. Thales Alenia Space is also developing the Emirates Crew and Science Airlock Module for NASA’s upcoming Lunar Gateway cislunar space station, which will allow astronauts to perform spacewalks and transfer materials.