Goonhilly’s Crucial Role in Lunar Mission: How Cornwall is Helping Humanity Return to the Moon

A Key Player in the Future of Lunar Exploration

Cornwall-based Goonhilly Earth Station Ltd is playing a pivotal role in the next phase of lunar exploration, providing essential communications support for the Intuitive Machines IM-2 mission, which launched on 27th February 2025 (UK time). This marks a significant step in humanity’s efforts to establish a long-term presence on the Moon and develop a sustainable lunar economy.

The IM-2 mission, part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on 26th February 2025, at 7:16 p.m. ET. The Nova-C class lunar lander, Athena, entered its intended orbit 44 minutes later and made its first communication at 8:17 p.m. ET. Throughout the mission, Goonhilly is providing critical communications from launch through to landing.

Building a Future on the Moon

The IM-2 mission is more than just an exploratory effort—it is a major milestone in lunar infrastructure development. One of its key objectives is to demonstrate in-situ resource utilisation (ISRU) near the Moon’s south pole, a crucial step towards producing fuel and life support systems from lunar resources.

Athena will also deliver Nokia’s Lunar Surface Communication System (LSCS), which aims to establish a 4G/LTE cellular network on the Moon, enabling future human and robotic operations.

“With its proven expertise in deep space communications, Goonhilly has become a go-to commercial partner for government agencies and private lunar ventures alike—including ESA and Intuitive Machines,” said Matthew Cosby, CTO of Goonhilly Earth Station.

The UK’s Growing Role in Space

With increasing demand for lunar-to-Earth communications, government networks have struggled to keep pace. Cornwall’s Goonhilly is stepping in to fill the gap, strengthening the UK’s position in the global space industry.

“Goonhilly’s support to commercial lunar communications is a great example of the UK’s important role in global space exploration efforts,” said Joshua King, Deep Space Telecommunications Investment Lead at the UK Space Agency. “By fostering innovation and capitalising on private investment, we can ensure the UK remains at the forefront of a sector that continues to rapidly evolve.”

As interest in off-world mining, lunar manufacturing, and interplanetary logistics grows, Goonhilly is at the centre of an industry that could shape the future of human space exploration.

A Track Record in Deep Space Missions

Goonhilly has a long-standing legacy in deep space and satellite communications. Since 2021, its privately-owned lunar and deep space network has supported over 15 missions for organisations including ESA, ISRO, and Intuitive Machines.

In the past three years, Goonhilly has provided nearly 9,000 hours of support to deep space missions, with over 800 hours dedicated to lunar operations.

As humanity moves closer to a permanent lunar presence, Goonhilly’s contributions are proving essential in building the infrastructure for a new era of space exploration.