Artemis I spacecraft ready for launch

ESA and NASA’s Artemis I spacecraft is cleared for launch after a series of final tests at the US @NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. ESA’s European Service Module (ESM) will provide electrical power and propel the uncrewed Orion capsule in an extended orbit around the Moon, setting the scene for future crewed missions. ESA has already delivered its second ESM for Artemis II and ESA contractor @Airbus Defence and Space is currently building its third ESM. Eventually, Artemis III will return astronauts to the lunar surface for the first time in 50 years with the ESM supplying their life support in the form of water, food and oxygen. In interviews ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen and ESA’s director of Human and Robotic Exploration David Parker explain why the Artemis missions are so exciting and important for humankind’s exploration of our Universe. ESA is also making a major contribution to the Gateway including refuelling and habitation modules and enhanced lunar communications. The Gateway will ac