Thales Alenia Space has won an 862 million euro ($897 million) order from the European Space Agency (ESA) to deliver a lunar lander for moon exploration launches to begin in the 2030s, the firm said on Thursday.

(Reuters) - Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales and Leonardo, on Thursday announced a 862 million euro ($896.9 million) order from the European Space Agency for the development of the Argonaut lunar lander. The lander, designed for cargo delivery to the moon, is planned to be launched in the 2030s, the group said in a press release.

Thales Alenia Space signed a contract valued at 862 million euros ($898.4 million) with the European Space Agency to develop a lander to ship cargo to the Moon.

The European Space Agency on Thursday put €862mn behind its goal to be a major player in lunar exploration, awarding a contract to Thales Alenia Space to build its first cargo vehicle for the Moon. Daniel Neuenschwander,