European Service Module: an international collaboration

ESA's European Service Module is the powerhouse of NASA's Orion spacecraft, providing propulsion, electricity, thermal control, breathable air and water for astronauts travelling to and from the Moon on Artemis missions. Developed under ESA leadership and assembled by Airbus Defence and Space in Bremen, Germany, the module is a major international collaboration and has involved contributions from 13 ESA Member States and the United States, with more than 100 European suppliers supporting its design, development and production.

Learn more about Orion and Europe’s involvement here. Follow the latest updates via the Orion blog.

Updated on 30 January 2026 with new layout.