A schematic of Lunar Lander's fuel tanks and engine thrusters. The thrusters are situated underneath the spacecraft. The drum-shaped vehicle, with four legs, is built around four large propellant tanks.

Lunar Lander is a robotic explorer that will demonstrate key European technologies and conduct science experiments. The mission is a forerunner to future human and robotic exploration of the Moon and Mars. It will establish European expertise to allow strong international partnerships in exploration.

Lunar Lander has a mass of around 2500 kg on its Soyuz launcher. The whole spacecraft lands on the Moon – there is no propulsion stage that is discarded in lunar orbit. The voyage and landing will reduce its mass to 800 kg on the Moon.