European Service Module Powers Artemis II Moon Voyage, Carries Four Astronauts

The ESM is fully integrated, fueled, and ready for flight.

“Bremen, Germany / Kennedy Space Center, Florida - USA, 31 March 2026 – As the world prepares for the launch of Artemis II, the first crewed mission to the Moon in over 50 years, the Orion European Service Module (ESM-2) is fully integrated, fuelled, and "go" for flight”

Airbus

The module carries 90 kilograms of oxygen and 240 kilograms of drinking water.

Airbus

The transition from Artemis I to Artemis II marks the shift from a test vehicle to a living space.

Artemis II marks the debut of the ESM's active life support capabilities.

The module provides about 11.2 kilowatts of electrical power from solar panels.

Ares Difesa

Without the ESM, the Orion capsule would simply not operate.

The ESM-2 represents a culmination of pan-European cooperation involving multiple countries.

“As the world prepares for the launch of Artemis II, the first crewed mission to the Moon in over 50 years, the Orion European Service Module (ESM-2) is fully integrated, fuelled, and "go" for flight”

ASDNews

French companies Safran and ArianeGroup contribute propulsion technologies.

The effort extends across the continent linking 300 sub-contractors and 60 universities.