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.

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 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,

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 aerospace company--a joint venture between French group Thales and Italy's Leonardo--said Thursday that as part of the deal it would build the Lunar Descent Element for ESA's Argonaut Mission.