Artemis II Moon Mission Powered by ESA’s European Service Module
On April 2, 2026, the European Space Agency (ESA) highlighted the pivotal role of its European Service Module (ESM) in the Artemis II crewed lunar mission. The ESM serves as the lifeline for the Orion spacecraft and its astronauts, providing propulsion, electrical power, and life support systems essential for their journey.
This module’s advanced design is fundamental to the Orion spacecraft’s successful transit to lunar orbit, its operations there, and its safe return to Earth. The ESM’s capabilities are critical for mission success in the harsh environment of deep space.
Through this collaboration, ESA is a key partner in the Artemis program, solidifying Europe’s significant contributions to international space exploration. The Artemis II mission represents a vital step in humanity’s endeavor to return to the Moon.