The fourth European Service Module (ESM-4) is prepared for its transatlantic voyage. In the coming days, it will depart from the Airbus integration facilities in Bremen, Germany, embarking on a journey to the United States. This critical component will serve as the primary power and propulsion source for NASA’s Orion spacecraft on the Artemis IV mission, sustaining astronauts with water, breathable air, electricity, and thermal control throughout their lunar voyage.

Upon its arrival at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the module will be integrated with the Orion crew capsule and its expansive European-built solar arrays, completing the Orion spacecraft assembly.

Artemis IV is a landmark mission with a dual purpose: delivering astronauts to lunar orbit and assembling the international Gateway space station. The European Service Module will play the pivotal role of transporting and installing ESA’s Lunar I-Hab habitation module. This state-of-the-art living quarters will join NASA’s modules to form the core of the Gateway, humanity’s first permanent outpost in lunar orbit.

The development of ESM-4 is a pan-European achievement, uniting the expertise of engineers from over 20 companies across ten nations. “ESM-4 is a cornerstone of the Artemis IV mission, enabling the delivery of the Lunar I-Hab module,” said Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA’s Director of Human and Robotic Exploration. “This hardware, spearheaded by Airbus and its European partners, underscores our capability as a key player in major international exploration endeavours.”

The module’s journey began with the construction of its primary structure in the cleanrooms of Thales Alenia Space in Turin, Italy. After arriving in Bremen in June 2022, it underwent a meticulous integration process. Over many months, technicians installed its complex nervous system of 11 km of wiring, its 33 engines, and tanks filled with thousands of litres of propellant and life-support consumables.

During the mission, after Orion reaches space, the European Service Module will perform a critical manoeuvre, turning the spacecraft to dock with the Lunar I-Hab. It will then provide the thrust needed to push the entire assembly—Orion and its new module—toward the Moon. This mission marks a significant step in Europe’s sustained contribution to returning humans to the lunar surface and establishing a permanent presence around the Moon.