Airbus Sends Astronauts to the Moon: Orion Module Ready for Launch
Airbus' European Service Module (ESM-2), integrated with NASA's Orion spacecraft, is ready for the Artemis II launch from Kennedy Space Center. This mission will mark the return of humans to the Moon for the first time in over 50 years.
Comprehensive Support by the European Service Module
The European Service Module built by Airbus for the European Space Agency (ESA) provides all vital functions for the Orion spacecraft: propulsion, power supply, oxygen and water supply, and thermal control of the cabin. ESM-2 carries 90 kg of oxygen and 240 kg of drinking water to sustain the four crew members during the 10-day journey around the Moon. Its four solar panels will generate 11.2 kW of electricity to power the spacecraft and the new communication systems. The module is equipped with 33 engines for propulsion and maneuvering Orion.
Innovations Introduced in Artemis II
Artemis II introduces two major innovations based on the precision of the ESM: an Optical to Optical (O2O) laser communication system capable of transmitting data at 260 megabits per second, enabling the relay of 4K ultra-high-definition videos, and a manual piloting demonstration where the commander and pilot will control the module using joysticks. Airbus is already preparing subsequent modules: ESM-3 will demonstrate rendezvous and docking capabilities needed for lunar landing in 2027, ESM-4 will support Artemis IV in 2028, while ESM-5 and ESM-6, currently in production in Bremen, will be delivered in 2027 and 2028 respectively to ensure a regular cadence of NASA's lunar missions.
