The European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded Airbus Defence and Space a contract to build three additional European Service Modules (ESMs) for NASA's Artemis program, enabling human return to the Moon. This follows the three ESMs already under production.
As ESA's key contribution to NASA's Orion spacecraft, the ESM powers Artemis missions by delivering astronauts to the Moon. This four-meter-diameter cylindrical module provides essential electricity, water, oxygen, and nitrogen to the crew compartment. Advanced radiators and heat exchangers maintain optimal temperatures for astronauts and equipment.
The ESM handles lunar orbit insertion, rendezvous with the Human Landing System (HLS) and its ascent module, and finally reinjects Orion onto its Earth return trajectory.
Each ESM features four deployable solar panels spanning 19 meters, over eight tons of fuel for the main engine, and 32 thrusters for precise maneuvering in all directions.
In essence, the European Service Module is a cornerstone of the Artemis program, with Airbus Defence and Space leading construction and numerous European firms supplying critical components.
NASA had previously contracted three ESMs via ESA. The first is at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, preparing for the Artemis I uncrewed test flight in November, orbiting the Moon before Earth return.
The second ESM supports Artemis II, flying astronauts around the Moon about a year later.
The third enables Artemis III, targeting human lunar landing—still slated for 2024, though delays are possible.
ESA recently tasked Airbus with building three more ESMs for Artemis IV-VI missions. These will ferry astronauts to the Lunar Gateway station in lunar orbit.
From this orbital outpost—envisioned to operate for 15 years or more—crews will descend to the surface while sustainable infrastructure develops. ESA is also set to provide the Gateway's primary habitation module.
