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- Source: inbox/queue/2026-04-13-prospect-cp22-im4-2027-isru-demo.md - Domain: space-development - Claims: 1, Entities: 2 - Enrichments: 0 - Extracted by: pipeline ingest (OpenRouter anthropic/claude-sonnet-4.5) Pentagon-Agent: Astra <PIPELINE>
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PROSPECT (ESA)
Full Name: Package for Resource Observation and in-situ Prospecting for Exploration, Commercial exploration and Transportation
Type: Lunar ISRU demonstration payload
Developer: European Space Agency (ESA)
Mission: CP-22 (CLPS), Intuitive Machines IM-4
Landing Site: Mons Mouton, lunar south pole
Launch/Landing: No earlier than 2027 (slipped from earlier 2026 target)
Components
ProSEED drill:
- Acquires cryogenic samples from depths up to 1 meter
- Delivers samples to ProSPA analytical laboratory
ProSPA analytical laboratory:
- Receives and seals samples in miniaturized ovens
- Heats samples and physically/chemically processes released volatiles
- Analyzes constituents via two types of mass spectrometers
- ISRU demonstration capability: Thermal-chemical reduction of samples with hydrogen to produce water/oxygen
Significance
PROSPECT will be the first in-situ demonstration of ISRU chemistry on the lunar surface. While small-scale (proof of concept), it represents the transition from laboratory-simulated ISRU to actual lunar surface demonstration. The mission is a critical validation step for Phase 2 operational ISRU systems targeted for 2029-2032.
Heritage
ProSEED/ProSPA instrument heritage from Mars Sample Return development programs. Part of ESA's broader Lunar Exploration initiative.
Timeline
- 2026-04-13 — Mission confirmed as IM-4 (CP-22), targeting no earlier than 2027 launch/landing (slip from earlier 2026 target)
Sources
- NASA Science CLPS CP-22 mission page
- ESA PROSPECT mission documentation
- NSSDCA mission records