Spacewatch: Airbus to build three more moon mission modules

Three more European service modules will be made for use as part of Nasa's Artemis programmeThe European Space Agency has contracted Airbus Defence and Space to build three more European service modules (ESM) to be used as part of the Artemis moon landing programme. The new contract adds to the three ESMs already in production. All three of the new modules will propel astronauts to the moon.The ESM provides power, propulsion and life support to Nasa's Orion crew capsule. Each ESM is 4 metres in diameter and height. Its four solar arrays span 19 metres when unfurled and can generate enough energy to power two households. The ESM's 8.6 tonnes of fuel powers its main engine and 32 smaller thrusters. Continue reading...