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.

The drum-shaped vehicle, with four legs, is built around four large propellant tanks. Power is generated from solar panels on the cylindrical body, feeding batteries for periods when the Sun is not available.