"How Europe Will Power the Journey to the Moon and Back" — ESA Artemis II Service Module Video
Summary: On March 27, 2026, ESA released a video titled "How Europe will power the journey to the Moon and back", explaining the critical role of the European Service Module (ESM) in NASA's Artemis II mission — providing propulsion, power generation, and life support for the Orion spacecraft carrying four astronauts around the Moon.
The Role of the European Service Module
The European Service Module (ESM) is the power and propulsion core of NASA's Orion spacecraft, located beneath the crew capsule. For Artemis II, ESM provides:
Propulsion
- Generates thrust for lunar orbit insertion and return trajectory maneuvers
- Houses the main engine and attitude control thrusters
- Carries all propellant for orbital insertion and course corrections
Power Generation
- Deployable solar arrays generate electricity for the spacecraft
- Stores and distributes power to all subsystems
- Provides emergency power during eclipse periods
Life Support
- Maintains cabin temperature and atmospheric conditions
- Provides oxygen and water for the crew
- Manages waste and有害气体 removal
European Industrial Contribution
The European Service Module is built by ESA and European industry partners — a cornerstone of Europe's contribution to the Artemis program. Through this collaboration, Europe plays an indispensable role in crewed deep space missions, establishing technological foundations for future lunar base construction and Mars exploration.
Video Information
- Release date: March 27, 2026
- Duration: 4 minutes 13 seconds
- Platforms: ESA WebTV / ESA YouTube
- Content: Explains how the European Service Module powers Artemis II's journey to the Moon and back
Background
Artemis II is scheduled for launch no earlier than April 1, 2026, and will be the first crewed lunar orbit flight since Apollo 17 in December 1972. The mission will validate the crewed flight capabilities of the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft, laying the foundation for Artemis III's crewed lunar landing.