ArianeGroup has just signed several agreements with Airbus Defense and Space for the adaptation and construction of the third European Service Module (ESM) flight model for the Orion spacecraft. ArianeGroup will provide integration and testing services for the propulsion subsystem, as well as for some parts of the thermal subsystem and for the corresponding electronic subsystems. It will also provide several major components of the propulsion subsystem: specifically 24 trim control engines, two high-pressure regulators, various fuel valves, four fuel tanks and two high-pressure helium tanks for pressurizing the fuel tanks under zero gravity conditions will provide technical support during system integration and acceptance of the Orion ESM spacecraft in the US Airbus DS is prime contractor on behalf of the European Space Agency (ESA) for the ESM service module , the European contribution to NASA's Orion MPCV (Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle) spacecraft.
“When the first Artemis astronauts walk on the surface of the Moon in 2024, it will be in part thanks to ArianeGroup's experience in Germany and France. Our know-how and our propulsion systems have flown on numerous exploration missions. By collaborating in the construction of the third service module together with Airbus Defense and Space, we demonstrate our know-how in the field of manned flight ", he has declared Stefan Haessler, head of Orbital Propulsion of ArianeGroup. "We are delighted to make our unique abilities available to this transatlantic mission to the Moon. All ArianeGroup employees are extremely proud to be able to contribute to the success of this exceptional human adventure ”.
The contracts were signed in August 2020. They follow the decision taken by the ESA Council at ministerial level in November 2019 to continue European participation in the NASA project. ArianeGroup has been involved in the Orion program since its inception and has already supplied propulsion subsystem components for the first two flight models. The first service module has been delivered to NASA and the second is currently being assembled and tested at the ArianeGroup site in Bremen, Germany.
The integration of the third service module will start shortly in Bremen. The European service module that will propel astronauts to the moon has a propulsion subsystem comprising 33 engines. In addition to major US-built engines, it includes 24 trim control engines with 200N thrust, built by ArianeGroup in Lampoldshausen, Germany. The fuel tanks are supplied by ArianeGroup in Bremen and the helium tanks by ArianeGroup in Issac, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. Added to this is a significant amount of final assembly work, which will be carried out at the Bremen site. This activity includes the integration of the various components; installation of wiring, thermal equipment and fuel circuits; welding works; tests, including high pressure tests; and support during integration in the United States. At the same time, ArianeGroup has submitted a number of offers for the production of the ESM flight models 4, 5 and 6. The authorization to proceed has already been signed, so that critical lead time activities can be launched quickly. For NASA's Artemis program, the third ESM will serve astronauts in lunar orbit aboard the Orion crew module, which will land on the Moon and return to Earth in 2024, bringing the first woman to set foot on the Moon. Prior to that, two flights will take place, the first scheduled for 2021. This is the first time NASA has used a critical European-built component to provide propulsion and electrical power for one of its spacecraft.
ArianeGroup ArianeGroup develops and supplies innovative and competitive solutions for civil and military space launchers, with expertise in all aspects of cutting-edge propulsion technologies. ArianeGroup is one of the leading contractors for the European Ariane 5 and Ariane 6 launcher families, responsible for both the design and the entire production chain, up to and including marketing by its subsidiary Arianespace, as well as for the missiles of the French oceanic deterrent force. ArianeGroup and its subsidiaries enjoy a global reputation as specialists in the field of equipment and propulsion for space applications, while their experience also benefits other industrial sectors. The group is a joint venture owned by Airbus and Safran and employs around 9.000 highly skilled employees in France and Germany. 2019 revenues amounted to 3,1 billion euros.