Redwire Delivers Lunar Robotic Arm Prototype

Redwire has delivered a prototype lunar robotic arm developed to support future cargo handling and surface logistics operations for the European Space Agency’s Argonaut lunar lander program. The Manipulator for Argonaut Payload Needs and Unloading Support, known as MANUS, was developed in collaboration with Added Value Solutions and with support from ESA. The project is being led by Redwire’s Luxembourg team, which recently completed several project milestones, including preliminary design and performance assessment.

Before delivery, the MANUS Breadboard Model completed a comprehensive test campaign to verify the functionality and performance of the manipulator and tool-changer subsystems. The testing also demonstrated operational scenarios aligned with system requirements for lunar surface logistics.

Planned operations completed during the campaign included payload handling, end-effector actuation with wireless data and power transfer, range extender manipulation, and automatic deployment. Functional testing validated safe and reliable mechanical performance, including joint-space accuracy and stable interaction among the manipulator’s subsystems.

MANUS is designed to support the loading and unloading of equipment and cargo from ESA’s Argonaut lander. Argonaut is being developed to enable Europe to deliver approximately 1,500 to 1,800 kilograms of cargo, infrastructure, and scientific instruments to the lunar surface.

The robotic manipulator could support cargo transfer from the lander to a rover, directly to the lunar surface, or to an astronaut. The system could also function as a connector for rovers to transfer power and charge batteries, as well as a tool for scooping lunar regolith. The Argonaut program is intended to support a sustained European presence on the Moon and strengthen Europe’s role in international space exploration. For Redwire, the delivery of the MANUS prototype marks a development milestone in robotic systems designed for lunar infrastructure, surface logistics, and future exploration missions.

About Redwire

Redwire Corporation (NYSE: RDW) is an integrated space and defense technology company supporting civil, commercial, and national security space programs. The company develops technologies and systems across areas including avionics, sensors, power solutions, radio frequency systems, spacecraft platforms, payloads, structures, mechanisms, autonomous systems, and mission operations. Redwire operates facilities in the United States and Europe and supports space infrastructure, exploration, and advanced aerospace applications. For more information, please click here.

Source/Photo Credit: Redwire

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