Airbus Defence and Space Call for Media

Bremen, 08/02/2017 - A European Service Module will power NASA’s Orion spacecraft beyond the Moon and back in 2018. ESA and Airbus Defence and Space have agreed with NASA to build a second module for a second mission with astronauts set for launch as early as 2021.

Humans are going to leave low orbit for the first time since 1972 and European hardware will provide propulsion, electrical power, water, thermal control and atmosphere for the crew of up to four.

The agreement is a further extension of ESA and NASA’s collaboration in human spaceflight continuing from the International Space Station and a strong recognition of Airbus and ESA expertise.

The European Space Agency (ESA) will sign the contract with Airbus Defence and Space to build the second European Service Module at the integration hall in Bremen, Germany, where the first module is already being built.

ESA’s Director of Human Spaceflight and Robotic Exploration, David Parker, will be present, together with ESA’s latest astronaut recruit, Matthias Maurer.

To witness the signing of the “Orion European Service Module” contract, you are cordially invited to a

Press Briefing
on Thursday 16 February 2017
at 11:30 CET
at Airbus Defence and Space
Bremen

The press conference will feature:

• David Parker, ESA Director of Human Spaceflight and Robotic Exploration
• James Free, NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Human Exploration and Operations
• Nicolas Chamussy, Airbus, Head of Space Systems
• Representative from DLR German Aerospace Center (tbd)
• Bremen Senate representative (tbd)
• ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer

Media wishing to attend should register via visits.[email protected] by 14 February.

Yours sincerely,

Media Relations
ESA / Airbus Defence and Space

www.airbusdefenceandspace.com