Aerospace modules completed for Artemis lunar crew mission

by Robert Schreiber
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Nov 12, 2025

The European Service Module-4 for NASA's Orion spacecraft has completed integration at Airbus facilities in Bremen, Germany. The module will soon ship to Kennedy Space Center for assembly and testing alongside Orion's Crew Module, progressing preparation for NASA's Artemis program return to lunar crewed flight.

Thales Alenia Space provides major subsystems for all six European Service Modules under the Artemis program, including structure, thermal control, and life support. Entire module structures and their thermal control and consumable service systems are produced in Turin, Italy. The core structure uses composite fiber reinforced polymer panels and aluminum alloys, maintaining low weight for mission range while meeting strength requirements. Four water tanks and six radiators per module enable full redundancy for life support and thermal management. After assembly and initial tests in Turin, modules are shipped to Bremen for final installation and checks before lunar mission preparation.

These technical components support astronaut safety and sustainability during flight. The ESM-2 will launch with the Artemis II mission next year, marking the first human deep-space expedition since Apollo.

Thales Alenia Space teams met project challenges, including delivery delays during the COVID period, to complete ESM-4 integration. Their technical work enabled successful outcomes for the program.

Upcoming Artemis IV will use ESM-4 to propel the Lunar I-HAB module to the Gateway, supporting future crew research in lunar orbit. Thales Alenia Space is also prime contractor for I-HAB and responsible for major structural elements of HALO, the Gateway's initial habitation and logistics module. Additional tasks include contributions to ESA's Lunar View and Lunar Link station elements for communications and refueling.

The company also signed a contract for the Emirates Airlock module for lunar extravehicular activity.

The Argonaut lunar lander, contracted to Thales Alenia Space, will deliver robotic equipment to the lunar surface starting in 2030. The Italian Space Agency has selected the company for the Multi-Purpose Habitation module, equipping astronauts for extended lunar surface missions with resource autonomy and support systems. As part of ESA's MoonLight program, Thales Alenia Space will supply lunar navigation satellites.

"From Orion to Gateway cis-lunar space station, and from lunar orbit to the Moon itself, Thales Alenia Space continues to drive the future of human space exploration," said Giampiero Di Paolo, Thales Alenia Space Deputy CEO and SVP Observation, Exploration and Navigation.

"Thanks to its vision, expertise, and the unwavering commitment of its teams, Thales Alenia Space is a key player in building the infrastructures that will sustain human life beyond Earth, where the next great chapter of discovery is already taking shape," Thales Alenia Space CEO, Herve Derrey, said.