HERACLES (spacecraft)

Human-Enhanced Robotic Architecture and Capability for Lunar Exploration and Science (HERACLES)
DesignerESA / JAXA / CSA
OperatorESA / JAXA / CSA
ApplicationsLunar exploration, sample-return
WebsiteArgonaut – European Large Logistics Lander
Specifications
Spacecraft typeRobotic lander, rover, sample-return
Launch mass≈8,500 kg (18,700 lb)[1]
Payload capacity≈1,500 kg (3,300 lb)[1]
Capacity
Payload to {{{to}}}
Production
StatusIn development

HERACLES (Human-Enhanced Robotic Architecture and Capability for Lunar Exploration and Science) is a planned robotic transport system to and from the Moon by Europe (ESA), Japan (JAXA) and Canada (CSA) that will feature a lander called the European Large Logistic Lander (EL3, or Argonaut), a Lunar Ascent Element, and a rover.[2] The lander can be configured for different operations such as up to 1.5 tons of cargo delivery,[3] sample-returns, or prospecting resources found on the Moon.[4]

The system is planned to support the Artemis program and perform lunar exploration using the Lunar Gateway space station as a staging point.

As of 2023, the HERACLES project has been superseded by the European Large Logistics Lander (EL3) project, and is no longer active.[5]

  1. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Sasaki_2019 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Helping Heracles EL3 to Survive the Long, Cold, Dark Lunar Nights. Archived 2019-12-10 at the Wayback Machine Doug Messier, Parabolic Arc. 8 December 2019.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference SR_Dec2019 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ The Heracles European Large Logistic Lander. ESA. Accessed on 10 December 2019.
  5. ^ "Landing on the Moon and returning home: Heracles".