Creotech Instruments leads European mission to the Moon

Creotech Instruments, a Polish space mission integrator listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange (GPW), has signed a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) for the implementation of Phase A of the Twardowski mission –  the first fully European lunar mission in more than 20 years. In this project, Creotech Instruments acts as the prime contractor and overall mission leader.

The project envisages placing a satellite based on the HyperSat platform into low lunar orbit and conducting surface mapping aimed at identifying resources and supporting future landing missions. The value of Phase A amounts to EUR 500,000. Work will begin in January 2026 and last for nine months. The project follows Phase 0, completed by the company in 2025.

– The Twardowski mission is a unique undertaking that places Poland at the center of European space exploration and gives our country a genuine opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to international research programs. It is also the first fully European lunar mission since SMART-1. During Phase A, we will formalize mission requirements and prepare it for subsequent development stages, marking an important milestone in Europe’s exploration of the Moon – commented Grzegorz Brona, PhD, CEO of Creotech Instruments S.A.

The Twardowski mission is planned as a “Small Mission to the Moon.” In 2029, a satellite based on the HyperSat platform is expected to enter low lunar orbit and perform global imaging of the Moon’s surface in the visible and mid-infrared (VIS–MIR) range, delivering high spatial and spectral resolution data. The collected information will enable detailed mapping of lunar resources and analysis of potential landing sites for international exploration programs, including Artemis.

The planned research scope aligns directly with long-term international lunar exploration strategies, including the development of permanent research bases. The operation of such facilities will require access to key resources such as oxygen, water, energy (including hydrogen-based solutions), and construction materials, the transport of which from Earth is costly and inefficient. Of particular importance is the discovery of water on the Moon in 2009, which opened new possibilities for future crewed missions and in-situ resource utilization. Consequently, advancing capabilities for identifying and exploiting natural lunar resources is essential. The Twardowski mission will provide critical data supporting these objectives while strengthening European competencies in global space exploration.

Creotech Instruments serves as the prime contractor and consortium leader, responsible for the satellite platform, system architecture, and mission integration. The project will be carried out in cooperation with Polish and European industrial and scientific partners, highlighting its European character and reinforcing cross-border collaboration.

Over the past decade, Creotech Instruments has successfully completed numerous space projects with ESA, becoming one of the Agency’s largest Polish contractors and a key ESA partner in Central Europe, including in the field of exploration missions.

In recent years, Poland has actively engaged in international exploration initiatives, including participation in the Artemis Accords and ESA programs. The Twardowski mission would represent Poland’s first significant and concrete contribution to global lunar exploration efforts, while also enhancing Europe’s capabilities in cost-effective planetary missions.

At the end of November, Poland made a strategic decision to increase its national contribution to the ESA budget. Of the EUR 731 million allocated for 2026–2028, nearly EUR 550 million will be directed toward ESA’s optional programs, including projects related to lunar exploration, Earth observation, secure communications, space transportation, on-orbit servicing, and the development of technologies for future missions.