| NHS FIRST IN WORLD TO ROLL OUT NEW ‘TROJAN HORSE’ THERAPY FOR BLOOD CANCER PATIENTS

The NHS in England will be the first health system in the world to roll-out a ‘trojan horse’ targeted therapy for blood cancer patients which could halt the disease’s progression by nearly three times as long as existing treatments.

Around 1,500 patients a year with multiple myeloma – an incurable cancer of the bone marrow – could now be offered belantamab mafodotin on the NHS in England, after it was approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

The drug will be offered to eligible patients whose cancer has progressed or not responded to first-line treatment with another drug, lenalidomide.

Belantamab mafadotin – which was research and developed in the UK – is an antibody-drug conjugate, a type of treatment which targets and attaches to cancer cells.

The drugs have been described by researchers as ‘trojan horses’ as they are designed to be taken up by the cancer cell, before releasing a high concentration of a lethal molecule to destroy the cell from within.

Trials showed that in a broader group of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, belantamab mafodotin (in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone) delayed progression of the disease by an average of three years, compared to just over a year for patients taking commonly-used drug daratumumab (with bortezomib and dexamethasone).

Progression-free survival data for the narrower group of patients for whom the drug is being recommended by NICE is not publicly available.

NHS England is fast-tracking access to the treatment for patients, through immediate funding via the Cancer Drugs Fund.

Eligible patients will be treated via an infusion every three weeks in combination with other cancer drugs, bortezomib (injection) and dexamethasone (orally).

Multiple myeloma is a type of bone marrow cancer than often affects multiple parts of the body, including the spine, skull, pelvis and ribs. It is more common in men than women, adults over 60, those with a family history of the condition and is twice as common in black populations than white and Asian populations.

Myeloma cannot be cured, and patients often experience multiple relapses – treatment is usually about halting the cancer for as long as possible with the least side-effects from treatment. The disease can have a significant impact on quality of life, with the possibility of relapse having a major psychological effect on patients.

Each year, more than 6,000 people are diagnosed with multiple myeloma in the UK, and it is estimated there are around 33,000 people living with the cancer.

Patients must have routine ophthalmological assessments before starting treatment and after each of the first three treatments. Side effects can include ocular toxicity, difficulty seeing clearly, blurred vision, dry eyes and photophobia.

Cutting-edge treatments like belantamab mafodotin have been enabled by the country’s thriving life sciences sector and the largest cluster of cell and gene therapy companies outside the US, centred around Stevenage and extending to Oxford, London, and Cambridge.

| OVER £1 MILLION FOR UK TOWNS AND CITIES TO CLEAN UP CHEWING GUM STAINS

52 councils across the UK will receive funding to remove chewing gum stains and clean up our streets.

More than 50 councils across the UK will receive a share of £1.2 million to combat the scourge of chewing gum litter on the country’s high streets, thanks to grants handed out by the government and charity Keep Britain Tidy.

Residents in Glasgow, Fermanagh and Omagh, Bradford and Cardiff are set to benefit from the fourth round of funding from the Chewing Gum Taskforce, delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change to deliver safer and cleaner streets.

Chewing gum creates an unsightly mess and incurs huge clean-up costs. Launched in 2021, the partnership between industry, government and funds from gum producers aims to curb anti-social littering and help local councils acquire cutting-edge cleaning equipment to boost street cleaning efforts.

Innovative plans will benefit from the latest round of grants. For instance, using the latest technology, Bradford Metropolitan District Council plans to deploy specialist steam cleaners, while Cheshire Council will hire new specialists to undertake intensive cleaning in areas with high public footfall.

This initiative not only enhances community pride by improving the cleanliness and appearance of local high streets but also supports regional growth by creating more inviting spaces for residents to visit. Cleaner streets contribute to safer environments and are essential in supporting hospitality businesses and restoring pride in our communities.

Environment Minister Mary Creagh said:

Chewing gum litter is a stain on our communities. These grants, funded by gum producers, will empower local councils to tackle this issue head-on, delivering cleaner streets for all.

This government is committed to ending our throwaway society. That is why we have already banned single-use vapes, and announced a crackdown on waste crime.

The funding marks further momentum by the Chewing Gum Task Force, with the previous three rounds of funding awarding grants worth a total of £4.88 million to 122 councils.

Last year alone, more than 3.4 million square metres of pavements were scrubbed free of chewing gum due to funding from the grant scheme.

| LARGEST ILLEGAL TRADING PLATFORM FOR DRUGS TAKEN DOWN

An international action week led to the disruption of Archetyp, one of the longest-running dark web marketplaces for drugs, and the arrest of its creator and current administrator in Spain. The platform had around 3 200 vendors and more than 600 000 users, who traded drugs worth at least EUR 250 million. Eurojust and Europol coordinated the investigations and operations, which led to the arrest of eight persons in total.

The dark web marketplace was active for over five years. Archetyp was one of the only platforms to allow the sale of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. The marketplace had around 17 000 listings online, and with more than 600 000 users, it is considered one of the largest of its kind.

Investigations into Archetyp revealed that its creator and current administrator is a German national residing in Spain. International cooperation between authorities, financial tracking and digital evidence analysis led to the identification of the people behind Archetyp. Investigators discovered the location of the servers, moderators and vendors on the marketplace. A coordinated action week was planned to dismantle Archetyp and arrest those responsible for selling and operating the platform, under the coordination of Eurojust and Europol.

The action week took place between 11 and 13 June, targeting the platform’s administrator, moderators, key vendors and the servers running the website. Coordinated actions in five countries, carried out by around 300 officers, resulted in the arrest of the thirty year old administrator in Spain, seven other persons and the seizure of assets worth EUR 7.8 million. By taking Archetyp offline, authorities have dealt a severe blow to drug traffickers in Europe.

Eurojust ensured the international investigation was efficient and effective. The Agency organised multiple coordination meetings, which enabled authorities to exchange critical information for the investigation. During the action days and the preliminary investigations, Eurojust coordinated the execution of mutual legal assistance and European Investigation Orders.

Europol supported the investigation from the outset, facilitating the exchange of intelligence, conducting extensive cross-checks and helping to identify high-value targets. On the action days, Europol deployed a dark web specialist to Germany and set up a virtual command post to coordinate field activities and ensure real-time deconfliction across jurisdictions.

The following authorities, with the support of the United States, carried out the operation:

• Germany: Prosecutor General’s Office Frankfurt am Main – Cyber Crime Center; Federal Criminal Police Office
• Netherlands: Public Prosecutor’s Office of Rotterdam; National Police, Unit Police Unit Rotterdam
• Spain: Investigative Court num 10 in Barcelona; International Cooperation Section of PPO Barcelona; National Police
• Sweden: Swedish Prosecution Authority; National Public Prosecution Department, National Unit against Organised Crime in Gothenburg; Swedish National Police; National Operations Department / Swedish Cybercrime Unit
• Romania: Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT); National Police

| MONTENEGRO AND MOLDOVA MAKE STRIDES ON EU PATH, SAY MEPS

European Parliament commends progress while calling for deeper reforms and vigilance against foreign interference.

The European Parliament has welcomed recent progress by Montenegro and Moldova on their respective paths toward European Union membership, while urging both nations to intensify reforms and remain vigilant in the face of external threats.

In two separate resolutions passed in Strasbourg, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) hailed Montenegro as the frontrunner among EU candidate countries, and praised Moldova’s determined efforts to align with EU standards despite ongoing domestic and geopolitical challenges.

Montenegro: Leading Candidate, But Reforms Still Needed

MEPs reaffirmed Montenegro’s status as the most advanced candidate in the EU enlargement process, citing the country’s robust public and political support for EU accession, with the goal of joining by 2028. A resolution passed with 470 votes in favour, 102 against, and 77 abstentions underscored the need for significant progress in electoral and judicial reforms, and a more effective fight against organised crime and corruption.

The Parliament also welcomed Montenegro’s full alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy — notably its support for EU sanctions against Russia — and its consistent backing of the international rules-based order at the United Nations.

However, MEPs expressed serious concern about persistent threats from malign foreign interference, including cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and hybrid operations aimed at destabilising the country and undermining public trust in the EU accession process.

Moldova: Determined Progress Amid External Pressure

A separate resolution, adopted by 456 votes to 118 with 51 abstentions, recognised Moldova’s unwavering commitment to advancing EU-related reforms, despite being heavily impacted by the war in neighbouring Ukraine and Russian interference in its internal affairs.

MEPs praised the Moldovan government’s efforts to align its legislation with the EU acquis and noted that EU-Moldova relations have entered a new, more cooperative phase. They called on the European Commission to increase its support to help Moldova meet enlargement benchmarks and broaden the scope of accession negotiations.

The European Parliament also welcomed the outcome of Moldova’s recent constitutional referendum on European integration and the 2024 presidential election — both held professionally and with notable civic engagement — despite a massive hybrid campaign by Russia and its proxies. MEPs warned that the upcoming 2025 parliamentary elections would be pivotal for Moldova’s European trajectory and are likely to draw intensified malign interference.

“Strategic Importance for Europe”

Sven Mikser (S&D, Estonia), rapporteur on Moldova, said: “We commend Moldova’s strong commitment to EU integration and acknowledge the country’s strategic importance for Europe. The Moldovan authorities have demonstrated remarkable determination to pursue reforms and align with EU values despite facing major challenges and external pressure by the Kremlin and its proxies.”

| NVIDIA and Deutsche Telekom partner for Germany’s sovereign AI       

Jensen Huang, NVIDIA’s founder and CEO, continued his European tour in June – which included stops at London Tech Week and GTC Paris – with a key visit to Germany. In discussions with Chancellor Friedrich Merz, they explored strategic alliances aimed at pioneering breakthroughs in the world’s inaugural industrial AI cloud.

The AI factory, based in Germany and managed by Deutsche Telekom, will drive innovation in European manufacturing, enhancing efficiency in design, engineering, simulation, digital twins, and robotics.

‘In the era of AI, every manufacturer needs two factories: one for making things, and one for creating the intelligence that powers them,’ said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA. ‘By building Europe’s first industrial AI infrastructure, we’re enabling the region’s leading industrial companies to advance simulation-first, AI-driven manufacturing.’

‘Europe’s technological future needs a sprint, not a stroll,’ said Timotheus Höttges, CEO of Deutsche Telekom AG. ‘We must seize the opportunities of artificial intelligence now, revolutionise our industry and secure a leading position in the global technology competition. Our economic success depends on quick decisions and collaborative innovations.’

A game-changer for Germany’s AI ambitions, this unprecedented infrastructure—the country’s biggest AI project—lays the foundation for sovereign AI and faster industrial adoption. The initial rollout features 10,000 NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs across DGX B200 systems and RTX PRO Servers, enhanced by NVIDIA’s networking and AI software.

NEURA Robotics, a German leader in cognitive robotics and physical AI, will leverage these computing resources to enhance its cutting-edge training centres for cognitive robots. This demonstrates how advanced infrastructure can accelerate the evolution of embodied AI. Central to this effort is the Neuraverse – an interconnected robot ecosystem where machines learn collectively across industrial and household applications. Functioning like an app store for robotic intelligence, this platform enables ongoing development and real-world deployment of skills for tasks ranging from welding to domestic chores.

Powering Europe’s manufacturing revolution, this AI cloud marks a critical leap toward simulation-driven industry while setting the stage for Germany’s ambitious AI gigafactories. When the 100,000-GPU programme comes online in 2027 through EU-German collaboration, it will transform the innovation landscape—giving businesses, startups, and research institutions equal access to world-class computing power via a growing network of high-performance centres.

NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Institute provides comprehensive AI education and certification programmes worldwide. These learning resources are fully integrated into Germany’s computing infrastructure, creating accessible upskilling pathways for professionals across the nation.

| COMMISSION PROPOSES A PLAN TO PHASE OUT RUSSIAN GAS AND OIL IMPORTS

The Commission has put forward a proposal to gradually and effectively stop the import of Russian gas and oil into the EU by the end of 2027. This will help the EU become more energy independent, improve the security of the energy supply, and boost the Union’s energy independence and competitiveness.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “Russia has repeatedly attempted to blackmail us by weaponising its energy supplies. We have taken clear steps to turn off the tap and end the era of Russian fossil fuels in Europe for good.”

This proposal follows the REPowerEU roadmap, the EU’s strategy to completely remove Russian oil, gas and nuclear energy imports from EU markets. It includes steps for phasing out pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG), as well as measures to facilitate the complete stop of Russian oil imports by the end of 2027.

The remaining Russian gas volumes will be phased out as follows

• Russian gas imports under new contracts will be prohibited as of 1 January 2026
• Imports under existing short-term contracts will be stopped by 17 June 2026
• An exception is made for short-term contracts for pipeline gas delivered to land-locked countries and linked to long-term contracts. These will be allowed until the end of 2027.
• Imports under long-term contracts will be stopped by the end of 2027

For oil, EU countries still importing Russian oil will need to prepare diversification plans to phase out all remaining oil imports, in view of a complete stop by the end of 2027.

Dan Jørgensen, Commissioner for Energy and Housing said:

“Importing gas from Russia is a security threat to Europe. This is why we are now proposing an EU ban on Russian gas imports. This will increase our energy independence while also reducing the revenues Putin uses to finance his war. The Commission will work hand in hand with all Member States, especially those that may face challenges because of this. No Member State will be left without energy as a result of this proposal”.

The phase-out of Russian fossil fuels will make an important contribution to the clean energy transition and the EU’s overall competitiveness. It is possible because the EU has sufficient alternative suppliers in the global gas market, a well interconnected Union gas market and the availability of sufficient import infrastructure in the EU. In addition, today’s proposal has built-in safeguards to respond to the reality of the gas markets while providing companies with a solid legal framework.

| CAN AN AI HELPER ASSIST SKILLED SPECIALISTS? THE SHERPA PROJECT THINKS SO

New IHI project SHERPA focuses on interventional radiologists, who use imaging technologies to guide miniature devices through a patient’s body.

In interventional radiology (IR), specialists use imaging technologies (such as x-ray or ultrasound) to guide miniature devices through a patient’s body and deliver the treatment where it is needed. Also known as image-guided therapy (IGT), interventional radiology is increasingly popular due to its minimally-invasive nature and rapid recovery times. However, there is a serious shortage of IR specialists. IR procedures are often complex and high-risk, and require a lot of training and experience. Furthermore, the rapid advances in IR technology make it hard even for existing staff to keep their knowledge and skills up to date. The staff shortage, coupled with the complex nature of the work, place a lot of pressure on IR specialists, and rates of burn-out are high.

An AI-powered sherpa to support skilled specialists

Now, a new IHI project called SHERPA aims to ease the workload of interventional radiologists by providing them with assistive technologies, powered by artificial intelligence (AI). By fulfilling the role of a trusted companion (or a sherpa), these technologies will support decision-making, accelerate learning and take care of repetitive, time-consuming tasks. As a result, the IR specialist will have more time and energy to focus on the intervention itself and on their interactions with the patient.

The tools will focus on all steps of the treatment, starting from deciding on the best treatment pathway for each patient. During the intervention, planning software and robotic-assisted devices will reduce the difficulty of the procedure and take over repetitive manual actions, making it possible for more junior specialists to carry out some of these interventions safely. Finally, AI-based software will guide and confirm treatment success during the procedure, preventing the need for re-treatment.

A focus on brain aneurysms and liver tumours

The project will focus on two use cases: treatment of brain aneurysms, and thermal ablation of tumours on the liver. Around 3% of the population has a brain aneurysm, where a weakened blood vessel wall is at risk of rupture and subsequent haemorrhage. Treating intracranial aneurysms is highly complex, and should be reserved for high-risk patients. Interventional radiologists face significant challenges in identifying which aneurysms require treatment and which can be safely monitored. The workflow is constrained by multiple complex steps and decisions, requiring extensive expertise, focus and a long learning curve.

Many patients with cancerous tumours on their livers still undergo surgery to remove part of the liver. Another, IGT-based option exists – thermal ablation, in which heat is applied directly to small tumours to destroy them. However, the wider use of ablation is limited by workflow gaps and the extremely high level of expertise required to carry out the procedure.

The SHERPA team will validate its outputs with interventional radiologists and patients through seven clinical studies, and the validated framework methodology will be made available to the wider IR community.

| THALES UNVEILS MINI ELECTRONIC WARFARE PAYLOAD FOR DRONES

• Thales has launched a lightweight, remotely controlled electronic warfare payload for deployment by small drones to detect and locate radio signals.
• Easy to use by military operators with no specialised training, the mini payload heralds a new generation of interoperable, quick-to-deploy sensors that will complement dedicated electronic warfare assets in the theatre of operations.
• The new system represents a breakthrough in terms of access to electromagnetic intelligence, offering front-line units an unprecedented operational intelligence capability for that is readily accessible, agile and discreet and can be adapted for use by land or naval forces.

At the Paris Air Show  Thales presented a new electronic warfare solution to meet the need for more closely integrated electromagnetic dominance operations across all military units.

Traditionally only conducted by highly specialised units, electromagnetic dominance operations are now needed by all tactical formations as a pre-requisite for battlefield superiority.

With the growing intensity of electronic warfare operations, this new Thales solution is designed to provide all deployed forces, including non-specialised units, with an initial, autonomous detection, location and analysis capability.The development of this innovative solution follows a proof-of-concept (PoC) awarded to Thales by France’s Defence Innovation Agency (AID) after a European competitive procurement process. During the PoC phase, multiple users successfully tested the solution in a range of different use cases.

“The current geopolitical context and the emergence of new threats have underscored the expanding role of electronic warfare in the theatre of operations and demonstrated a growing need for all combat units to have direct access to these crucial capabilities. Today we are able to offer a unique new solution that is discreet and easy to use by non-specialised units to enable deployed forces to gain and maintain information superiority in the field. The new solution demonstrates Thales’s capacity for innovation and the ability of our development teams to respond extremely quickly to new operational requirements,” said Christophe Groshenry, Vice President, Radio Communications Products, Thales.

Weighing less than 5 kg and with a power requirement of under 40 W, the new payload is optimised for deployment by light drones. It can be installed on free-flying or autonomous drones, or on tethered drones powered and connected to the ground by a cable, to detect radio sources tens of kilometres away with no active emissions, which is a major advantage in contested environments.

| UKRAINIAN UNIVERSITY ACCUSED OF SELLING 3 000 FAKE POSTGRADUATE STUDENT IDS TO DRAFT EVADERS

The Ukrainian Security Service and the National Police have dismantled a large-scale mobilization evasion scheme in Zaporizhzhia. As a result of an operation in the frontline city, the law enforcement uncovered a rector of a private university who took bribes to enroll draft evaders in the university’s postgraduate program.

In addition to the main suspect, eight of his subordinates, who were part of the criminal organization, have been identified, including his deputies and the management of the educational institution’s institutes.

According to the investigation, the group made over UAH 17 million (USD 407 000) on draft dodgers.

As the investigators established, the rector’s office enrolled men of conscription age in full-time programs without any entrance exams or subsequent attendance.

This scheme was used by 2 966 men, who used fake education to obtain a deferral from conscription.

The cost of such ‘registration’ was up to USD 5 000 in cash per person. After submitting the documents, the ‘postgraduates’ additionally paid the university the established amount for two semesters, almost UAH 20,000.

Then, the organizers of the scheme withdrew the funds from the university’s account and divided them among themselves.

The decisions on measures of restraint are pending. The suspects face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The operation was carried out under the procedural supervision of Zaporizhzhia Specialized Defense Prosecutor’s Office.

| EU MEMBER STATES AGREE TO EXTEND TEMPORARY PROTECTION FOR REFUGEES FROM UKRAINE

The Council has voiced its unanimous support for a proposal to extend the temporary protection for the more than 4 million Ukrainians fleeing from Russia’s war of aggression until 4 March 2027.

“While Russia continues to terrorise Ukrainian civilians with indiscriminate air strikes the EU continues to show its solidarity with the Ukrainian people. We will continue to offer protection for millions of Ukrainian refugees for another year. The Polish presidency also initiated discussion on a strategy to phase out temporary protection once a just peace is achieved. In the near future, we will work towards common, EU-wide solutions in this area, including in the context of returns to Ukraine.” says Tomasz Siemoniak, Polish Minister of the Interior and Administration.

Since March 2022 the EU has given safety and shelter to over 4 million refugees from Ukraine on the basis of the temporary protection directive. Temporary protection is due to run until 4 March 2026 and will now be extended until 4 March 2027.

The temporary protection system alleviates the pressure on national asylum systems because persons falling under this type of protection do not need to apply for asylum on an individual basis. The extension until March 2027 is a signal to displaced people from Ukraine that is not necessary to apply for asylum.

The extension does not change the terms of the March 2022 decision as regards the categories of persons to whom the temporary protection applies or the rights they enjoy.

Durable solution for Ukrainian refugees

In addition to the extension of temporary protection member states are discussing a Council recommendation to prepare for a coordinated transition out of temporary protection (exit strategy from the temporary protection). The recommendation will address matters such as switching to other legal (residence) statuses, paving the way for a gradual return to Ukraine and stepping up the provision of information about available options.

What is temporary protection?

Temporary protection provides immediate and collective protection to a large group of displaced persons who arrive in the EU and who are not in a position to return to their country of origin.

People benefitting from temporary protection enjoy the same rights across the EU. These rights include:

• residence
• access to the labour market and housing
• medical assistance
• social welfare assistance
• access to education for children

The EU’s temporary protection law sets minimum standards of protection. The actual level of assistance can vary from one member state to another.

| DENMARK RATIFIES MILITARY DEAL WITH US, GREENLIGHTING AMERICAN BASES ON ITS SOIL

Denmark’s parliament has passed a contentious bill authorising the establishment of United States military bases on Danish soil. The legislation, approved by a decisive vote of 94–11, expands on a previous agreement from December 2023, granting the United States broader permissions to operate within Denmark’s territory.

Under the new law, American forces will enjoy “unhindered access” to three major Danish airbases—Karup, Skrydstrup and Aalborg—and may station personnel, store equipment, conduct maintenance, and undertake training exercises

Importantly, U.S. military personnel will remain under American jurisdiction, meaning any alleged crimes committed in Denmark will be initially tried under U.S. law

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen defended the pact as a necessary measure to reinforce transatlantic security at a time of shifting geopolitical risks, including concern that a retreat by American forces from Europe could weaken NATO’s defence posture

Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen also provided reassurances, stating that Denmark retains the right to terminate the agreement if the U.S. were to attempt an “annexation” of Greenland—a sovereign Danish territory.

The pact endures for a maximum of ten years. Denmark may dissolve the agreement prematurely if the U.S. seeks to annex or assert sovereignty over Greenland, Denmark’s semi-autonomous Arctic province.

The bill now awaits royal assent from King Frederik X. If signed, Denmark will enter a new phase of defence cooperation, with U.S. bases on its soil but ongoing debate over the balance between strategic alliance and national autonomy.

| VENTURI SPACE PRESENTS MONA LUNA, THE EUROPEAN LUNAR ROVER

Venturi Space has unveiled MONA LUNA, its 100% European-built lunar rover. Designed to support the ambitions of the European Space Agency and the French CNES, the vehicle will be built at Venturi Space France’s facility in Toulouse. The ultimate aim is to provide Europe with a lunar-capable rover by 2030.

European autonomy in lunar mobility is a major strategic challenge. Venturi Space is helping to make that a reality with MONA LUNA, its upcoming lunar rover designed to meet the needs of ESA and national European space agencies. The vehicle will further Europe’s efforts to achieve technological independence in the field of lunar mobility, enabling it to get ahead of the industrial curve and achieve its space ambitions.

A project led by Venturi Space France 
Venturi Space France will oversee MONA LUNA’s development and space qualification from its base in Toulouse, coordinating every aspect of the process: onboard electronics, avionics, space-to-ground links, energy management systems, assembly, final integration, and acceptance testing in readiness for space flight. All with one clear objective: to deploy MONA LUNA at the Moon’s South Pole by 2030.

Backed by the ESA and CNES
The European Space Agency is supporting Venturi Space’s efforts to design and develop the critical technologies required for a large lunar rover, capable of surviving multiple lunar nights. ESA’s support validates Venturi Space’s approach and highlights its expertise. The project will draw on the experience acquired from the programmes to develop the FLIP and FLEX rovers under a strategic partnership with US-based company Venturi Astrolab, Inc. Venturi Space is currently designing and building the hyper-deformable wheels that will be fitted to those vehicles, along with the associated electrical systems (in Switzerland) and high-performance batteries (in Monaco).

Using technology made in Europe
MONA LUNA is designed to be carried into space by the Ariane 6.4 launch system and landed on the Moon’s surface by the European Argonaut lunar lander, while the rover itself will be equipped with a robotic arm to handle scientific instruments and payloads. It will be:
– electrically powered, recharging via solar panels,
– designed to move autonomously,
– equipped with three high-performance batteries,
– capable of carrying a wide range of payloads,
– designed to survive multiple lunar nights,
– capable of a top speed of 20 km/h,
– designed to weigh a total of 750 kg.

The rover could also be used in an emergency to carry an astronaut in difficulty, as envisaged by the ESA and CNES in their feasibility studies.

Gildo Pastor, President of Venturi Space:
“I’m still an explorer, first and foremost. Space is a new frontier, and MONA LUNA is how we are actually going to broach it. Alongside Europe, we aim to build an autonomous lunar exploration capability to meet the scientific, economic, and strategic challenges of tomorrow.”

Dr. Antonio Delfino, Director of Space Affairs at Venturi Space:
“Our primary focus is to make ourselves fully available to the ESA and European national space agencies. With MONA LUNA, we aim to deliver major technological breakthroughs that will pave the way for extended lunar mobility.”