The landing plans of the first Europeans on the Moon could be finalized by Christmas

PThe director of human exploration and robotics at the European Space Agency (ESA) confirmed that the first Europeans to land on the moon could be in place by Christmas.

David Parker, former director of the British Space Agency, said the groundwork was already well advanced for the project, which should allow the establishment of a lunar base in orbit from which astronauts could go to the lunar surface.

Ministers from countries contributing to ESA – including Great Britain even after Brexit – are due to meet in Seville on November 26 to give the final green light to the mission. Ministers meet every three years to decide which projects to fund.

At the British Space Conference in Newport, Dr. Parker said, "We want to go to the moon in partnership with NASA. There is an idea, especially in Europe, that none of this really happens, well, I want to say it.

"The first elements of the bridge are already under contract. Several studies are underway for a human exploration lander. This is happening and we are part of it in Europe.