A European push to the moon

The European Space Agency is enjoying an important position in humankind’s return to the moon. In just a few months NASA will launch Artemis I from the Kennedy Space Center. The uncrewed mission will carry NASA’s Orion spacecraft incorporating ESA’s European Service Module (ESM-1), constructed and examined by Airbus Bremen, in Germany, with the assistance of 10 European nations. ESM-1’s major engine and 32 thrusters will propel Orion into orbit across the moon and return it to Earth.

As Artemis I prepares for launch, the second European Service Module (ESM-2) is about to ship to the US with ESM-3 additionally at the moment beneath building. The second Artemis mission, nonetheless, has an important distinction: it is going to carry 4 astronauts for a lunar flyby. ESM-2 will present propulsion, energy, oxygen, water and life support in addition to controlling the temperature within the orbiting crew module. ESM-3 will go one step additional and put the primary individual on the moon for 50 years.