We’re Going to the Moon | Artemis II ESAxASH

Why It Matters

The partnership showcases Europe’s growing role in deep‑space exploration, unlocking new commercial and technology opportunities for the continent’s aerospace sector.

Key Takeaways

• Artemis II carries four astronauts on ten‑day lunar flyby
• Orion uses European Service Module built by Airbus consortium
• ESM supplies air, water, power, and propulsion for mission
• First European contribution to crewed Moon mission in 50 years
• Collaboration boosts Europe's space industry and commercial prospects

Pulse Analysis

NASA’s Artemis II mission represents the most ambitious step toward re‑establishing a sustained human presence beyond low Earth orbit. By looping four astronauts around the Moon for ten days, the program not only ends a five‑decade hiatus since Apollo but also validates critical technologies for future lunar landings and deep‑space habitats. The mission’s timeline, slated for launch in 2026, aligns with broader geopolitical competition in space, prompting governments and investors to watch its progress closely.

At the heart of the flight is the European Service Module, a 13‑tonne powerhouse engineered by Airbus and a network of 20 European firms. The ESM delivers oxygen, water, electricity and the main propulsion needed to thrust Orion through lunar orbit and back to Earth. Its modular design and proven performance on previous uncrewed Artemis flights give NASA a reliable European‑built backbone, while granting Europe a tangible stake in the mission’s success. The collaboration also accelerates technology transfer across the continent, strengthening supply‑chain resilience and fostering next‑generation engineering talent.

Strategically, the ESA‑NASA partnership signals a shift toward multinational deep‑space ventures, opening lucrative markets for European aerospace companies. The visibility of a European‑built module on a historic crewed flight can catalyze commercial contracts for lunar logistics, in‑space manufacturing, and satellite servicing. Moreover, the experience gained will feed directly into Artemis III’s planned lunar surface landing and the development of the Lunar Gateway, positioning Europe as an indispensable partner in humanity’s next great frontier.

Original Description

For the first time in over 50 years, humans are going back to the Moon. This time, Europe is part of that journey.

Artemis II is the first crewed mission of NASA's Artemis programme and will bring four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the Moon and safely back to Earth. What carries them on this voyage is the Orion spacecraft, powered by our European Service Module (ESM).

The ESM is built by 20 companies across Europe, led by prime contractor Airbus. The module will provide all the air and water needed by the crew throughout their journey, and power and propel their spacecraft through deep space and back home.

Credit: European Space Agency (ESA)

Music: Zarathustra, Performed by ASH

Written by Richard Strauss (Arranged by Tim Wheeler)

Published by Copyright Control

Produced by Tim Wheeler

Courtesy of Ash and Fierce Panda Records

Access the video on the ESA video library: https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2026/03/We_re_going_to_the_Moon_Artemis_II_ESAxASH

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