Image: European Service Modules currently in production at Airbus facilities

The third (pictured) and fourth European Service Modules are presently in manufacturing at Airbus amenities in Bremen, Germany. They’re key parts of the Orion spacecraft, the primary to return people to the moon for the reason that Seventies.

These modules present the spacecraft with propulsion, energy and thermal management, and can provide astronauts with water and oxygen. The Orion spacecraft consists of a European Service Module, a Crew Module Adapter and a Crew Module. The latter two parts are supplied by NASA.

Powering flights to the moon is a collaborative effort. The parts and {hardware} used within the European Service Modules are constructed and equipped by greater than twenty totally different firms from ten totally different nations in Europe.

When prepared for launch, every module may have a total mass of 13,500 kg, nearly two-thirds of which is propellant (rocket fuel). Greater than 11 km of cables are wanted to ship instructions and obtain info from the various on-board sensors. As may be seen within the photograph, tie-wraps (yellow) turn out to be useful relating to preserving all these cables organized.

The primary European Service Module is already hooked up to the Orion spacecraft and awaiting launch for Artemis I later this yr. The second European Service Module has been formally transferred to NASA and is finishing integration on the Operations and Checkout constructing on the Kennedy Area Middle. It will likely be used on the Artemis II mission, the primary crewed mission to fly all the best way to the moon in half a century.

By delivering six European Service Modules, ESA is guaranteeing NASA’s Artemis program continues to develop a sustainable presence on and across the moon in worldwide partnership.