The US space agency NASA is set to launch its Artemis II mission today, sending astronauts to orbit the moon for the first time in over 50 years. Four astronauts from the US and Canada will undertake a test flight lasting about ten days. Germany provides the key European Service Module for the Orion spacecraft via the European Space Agency.
The launch from Cape Canaveral in Florida is scheduled for this evening. NASA views the mission as a crucial step toward returning humans to the moon and preparing for crewed Mars flights.
The European Service Module (ESM), primarily built by Airbus in Bremen for the European Space Agency (ESA), forms a core part of the Orion spacecraft. It provides the crew with power, propulsion, water, oxygen, and temperature control. The module is considered key technology for future lunar missions.
Germany is also contributing to scientific research in the Artemis program through the ESA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR). This includes studies on radiation exposure during the moon journey, aimed at enhancing astronaut protection for long-duration missions.
