The fourth European Service Module (ESM) for NASA’s Orion spacecraft is preparing to depart Airbus facilities in Bremen, Germany, embarking on a transatlantic voyage to the United States. This critical component, built by the European Space Agency (ESA), will serve as the powerhouse for the Artemis IV mission, propelling astronauts toward the Moon while providing vital water, air, electricity, and thermal control.
Upon arrival at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the module will be integrated with the Orion crew capsule and its expansive European-built solar arrays, completing the spacecraft for its lunar journey. Artemis IV is a mission of dual purpose: not only will it carry a crew of four, but it will also deliver ESA’s Lunar I-Hab habitation module to orbit around the Moon. There, it will dock with other international modules to expand the nascent Gateway station, humanity’s first permanent outpost in deep space.
The development of the European Service Module is a pan-European achievement, involving the collaboration of engineers from over 20 companies across ten nations. Its journey began with the construction of its primary structure by Thales Alenia Space in Turin, Italy. This framework was then shipped to Bremen for a meticulous two-year integration process, where teams installed more than 11 kilometers of wiring, 33 engines, and tanks for fuel, water, and breathable air.
“For Artemis IV, ESM-4 plays a key role in delivering the International Habitation Module to the lunar Gateway,” stated Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA’s Director of Human and Robotic Exploration. “This state-of-the-art hardware demonstrates Europe’s pivotal role in major international exploration partnerships.”
During the mission, after Orion launches atop NASA’s powerful Space Launch System rocket, the European Service Module will perform a critical maneuver. It will turn the spacecraft and dock with the Lunar I-Hab module, then tow the combined vehicle into lunar orbit. The addition of Lunar I-Hab will significantly expand the Gateway’s living space, enabling crews to live and conduct research for up to 90 days at a time, supporting both orbital science and surface expeditions.
The dispatch of this module underscores Europe’s steadfast commitment to returning humans to the Moon, providing the essential infrastructure that makes sustained deep space exploration possible.
