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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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1.6 KiB
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43 lines
No EOL
1.6 KiB
Markdown
# PROSPECT (ESA)
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**Full Name:** Package for Resource Observation and in-situ Prospecting for Exploration, Commercial exploration and Transportation
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**Type:** Lunar ISRU demonstration payload
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**Developer:** European Space Agency (ESA)
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**Mission:** CP-22 (CLPS), Intuitive Machines IM-4
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**Landing Site:** Mons Mouton, lunar south pole
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**Launch/Landing:** No earlier than 2027 (slipped from earlier 2026 target)
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## Components
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**ProSEED drill:**
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- Acquires cryogenic samples from depths up to 1 meter
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- Delivers samples to ProSPA analytical laboratory
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**ProSPA analytical laboratory:**
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- Receives and seals samples in miniaturized ovens
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- Heats samples and physically/chemically processes released volatiles
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- Analyzes constituents via two types of mass spectrometers
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- **ISRU demonstration capability:** Thermal-chemical reduction of samples with hydrogen to produce water/oxygen
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## Significance
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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.
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## Heritage
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ProSEED/ProSPA instrument heritage from Mars Sample Return development programs. Part of ESA's broader Lunar Exploration initiative.
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## Timeline
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- **2026-04-13** — Mission confirmed as IM-4 (CP-22), targeting no earlier than 2027 launch/landing (slip from earlier 2026 target)
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## Sources
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- NASA Science CLPS CP-22 mission page
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- ESA PROSPECT mission documentation
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- NSSDCA mission records |