Orion's European Module Ready For Testing

A look at the propulsion side of the Orion European Service Module (ESM) structural test model. Credit: Airbus Defence and Space SAS 2015

A look at the propulsion side of the Orion European Service Module (ESM) structural test model. Credit: Airbus Defence and Space SAS 2015

The test version of the ESA's service module for NASA's Orion spacecraft arrived on November 11. The service module is adapted from the Automated Transfer Vehicle and is located directly below the Orion crew capsule. It provides power, propulsion, thermal control, water, and air for a crew of four. On top of that, the solar array can provide enough energy for two homes. It was built by Thales Alenia Space in Turin, Italy and after being tested in Europe, NASA will be doing vibration tests to ensure it can handle the strains of a launch.