Project RadioLuna: UK Startup Blue Skies Space To Map Early Universe From Lunar Orbit

The Italian Space Agency (ASI) awarded a British-based space startup, Blue Skies Space, a contract to design a fleet of satellites that could orbit the Moon and help reveal how the early universe evolved.

The project, known as RadioLuna, will assess whether small satellites placed in lunar orbit can detect faint radio signals dating back to the so-called “cosmic dark ages,” a period before the first stars were born. These signals are considered vital to understanding how the universe transitioned from a sea of hydrogen gas to the structured cosmos observed today.

Such signals are nearly impossible to detect on Earth due to widespread radio frequency interference. However, the far side of the Moon is shielded from this human-made noise. This makes it an ideal vantage point for radio astronomy.

The ASI-funded feasibility study, valued at €200,000, will explore whether a cost-effective fleet of CubeSats using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components could support this scientific goal.

RadioLuna Targets Ancient Signals From The Cosmic Dark Ages

The study will be led by Blue Skies Space Italia S.r.l., the Italian arm of the UK-based company. Project partner OHB Italia will provide satellite design support and develop a suitable platform for lunar orbit operations.

Dr Marcell Tessenyi, CEO and co-founder of Blue Skies Space, said: “The idea for this project stemmed from the global efforts to develop the lunar economy. Programmes by space agencies such as ESA Moonlight or NASA Artemis can provide the transport, communication and timing infrastructure to projects such as RadioLuna. We are grateful to the Italian Space Agency for funding this activity with our project partner OHB Italia to explore novel ways of delivering exciting science.”

OHB Italia brings decades of experience to the mission and will focus on the CubeSats’ engineering design and integration.

“RadioLuna is a challenge where scientific ambition meets engineering pragmatism,” said Roberto Aceti, Managing Director of OHB Italia. “We are proud to contribute to the development of an observatory that could open new frontiers in our understanding of the early universe, bringing to the mission our expertise and our M3 platform.”

Lunar Infrastructure Could Support Future Astronomy Missions

The CubeSats may one day be part of the European Space Agency’s Moonlight programme. This programme aims to establish a constellation of satellites in lunar orbit to provide communications and navigation support. This infrastructure could help ensure precise positioning for science missions and streamline data transmission to Earth.

Dr Tessenyi added: “We started Blue Skies Space to capitalise on the changes brought by the NewSpace economy. RadioLuna is an excellent opportunity to showcase the benefits these bring to science.”

This mission represents a step forward in cosmological exploration. It also highlights the UK’s growing presence in cutting-edge space science and international collaboration.