Upon its arrival, ESM-4 will undergo testing before being integrated with the Orion Crew Module. Its role in the Artemis IV mission is pivotal, as the mission is scheduled to deliver the International Habitation Module (I-Hab) for the lunar Gateway space station. This outpost will serve as a base for astronauts to live and work, facilitating scientific research and preparing for future human missions to Mars.
“Delivering the fourth ESM brings us closer to a new space era with a lunar space station and more opportunities for deep space science. Europe’s role is crucial in this NASA-led programme,” said Ralf Zimmermann, Head of Space Exploration at Airbus.
The European Service Module is the powerhouse of the Orion spacecraft, located directly beneath the crew capsule. It provides all essential utilities, including propulsion, electrical power from four solar arrays, thermal control, and water and oxygen for the crew. Thales Alenia Space Italia provides the thermal control system that maintains the crew cabin at a stable, habitable temperature.
The module’s 33 engines provide comprehensive thrust and manoeuvring capabilities. The main engine, a repurposed unit from the Space Shuttle programme, is powerful enough to push Orion out of Earth’s orbit toward the Moon. A system of smaller auxiliary thrusters handles orbital adjustments and precise attitude control for docking.
The four solar wings generate substantial electricity—approximately 11.2 kW, with most power dedicated to the crew module’s systems and batteries. These batteries are critical, ensuring the spacecraft has power during periods without sunlight and for a safe return to Earth after the ESM is jettisoned at the mission’s end. The onboard electronics are designed for high autonomy, managing routine functions like temperature regulation and solar array positioning to allow astronauts to focus on primary mission objectives.
