European Service Module heads to the Moon

An artist's impression of Orion and its European Service Module in space during Artemis, travelling around the Moon and back to Earth.

Clearly visible is the cylindrical European Service Module, with its four solar arrays and 33 engines - the large main engine in the middle, eight auxiliary thrusters spread around, and 24 reaction control system thrusters grouped into six pods around the cylinder on which the solar arrays are attached.

Built by European industry, ESA's European Service Module is the propulsion heart of the Orion spacecraft - its 33 engines guide, steer and propel the crew safely towards the Moon and back.