Thales Alenia Space
Orion’s European Service Module 4 Successfully Completed Integration Activities in Thales Alenia Space’s Turin Plant (News Release)
Thales Alenia Space is responsible for the primary and the secondary structure, and thermo-mechanical systems of ESA's European Service Modules (ESM)
Turin (Italy) - Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), has successfully completed the activities related to the final integration of the critical systems of Orion’s European Service Module 4. The module is now on its way to Airbus Defence and Space’s clean rooms in Bremen, Germany. There, it will complete the integration and carry out final tests, supported by Thales Alenia Space engineers on-site.
The Orion spacecraft was designed to take astronauts back to the Moon, as part of NASA's Artemis Program. The overall European Service Module has been developed on behalf of ESA, providing the structure, propulsion, power, thermal control, and primary life support. Specifically, ESM4 - as part of the Artemis IV mission - will drive the International Habitat (I-HAB) to the Lunar Gateway, docking with the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO) to further enhance human living capabilities in lunar orbit.
In addition to ESM 4, as for previous modules 1, 2 and 3, Thales Alenia Space will provide Airbus - Orion's ESM module prime contractor - with the critical subsystems of the forthcoming ESM 5 and 6 service modules, including structure, micro-meteorite protection, thermal control, storage, and distribution of consumables. These subsystems are crucial parts of the modules as they ensure vital and safe conditions for the crew during the entire mission.
Leonardo is also partnering in the program, supplying the photovoltaic panels (PVA) and Power Control and Distribution Units (PCDU) for ESM modules 1 to 6.
Thales Alenia Space has completed the final pre-integration phase of ESM 4's thermo-mechanical system, including the assembly of components for the Thermal Control System (TCS) and the Consumable Storage System (CSS) subsystems. Following the check of the components under Thales Alenia Space’s responsibility (including vital elements such as the system pump and radiators) with the relevant functional checks and the final completion of the activities by the prime contractor, ESM 4 will then be delivered to Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA. Thales Alenia Space will continue to play its role of paramount importance while its engineers will contribute to the packing phase activities during transport.
In addition to being responsible for the thermo-mechanical systems for the Orion European Service Module, the company is heavily involved in Lunar Gateway, providing ESPRIT and I-HAB pressurized modules to ESA. The welding of HALO is also underway at Thales Alenia Space’s plant in Turin.
Leveraging on its one-of-a-kind legacy onboard Cygnus and the International Space Station, for which the company has provided the major part of its habitable modules, Thales Alenia Space has now become a top industrial partner onboard Lunar Gateway and Axiom commercial space station. The world leader in orbital infrastructures, the company is also involved in several studies with the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and ESA - both on the surface and in lunar orbit, as well as supporting major space exploration missions.
Source: Thales Alenia Space
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Thales Alenia Space
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