The vital engine that will carry astronauts toward Mars and beyond

Space · Published 8 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: To reach deep space destinations like Mars or lunar-orbiting asteroids, NASA needs more than just a rocket. It requires a powerhouse capable of providing life-sustaining air, water, and propulsion. This essential component is the European Space Agency's service module, currently undergoing rigorous testing to survive the journey.

The Orion spacecraft's survival in deep space depends heavily on its service module, a critical component provided by the European Space Agency (ESA) in partnership with Airbus Defence and Space. This module acts as the spacecraft's primary life-support and propulsion system. It is responsible for supplying essential power, in-space propulsion, and the air and water required by astronauts during their missions. This vital hardware is being developed to facilitate human exploration of the solar system. It serves as a primary element in the partnership between NASA and its international allies.

To ensure these systems can withstand the extreme rigors of space travel, a full-size test version of the module arrived at NASA’s Plum Brook Station in Sandusky, Ohio, on November 30, 2015. This facility is home to some of the most advanced testing structures on Earth, including one of the world's largest vacuum chambers, a high-capacity vibration table, and the world's most powerful acoustic test chamber for spacecraft. The facility contains specialized equipment designed to simulate harsh orbital conditions. These massive structures allow engineers to verify that every component remains functional under pressure.

The module is a cornerstone of international cooperation, designed to support missions such as Exploration Mission-1 and future voyages to Mars. By utilizing the Space Power Facility at Plum Brook, NASA can conduct a multi-month test campaign to validate the structural integrity and functional reliability of the module before it is launched aboard the Space Launch System rocket. This ensures that the hardware can endure the intense physical stresses encountered during transit to deep space destinations. The testing process involves a lengthy campaign to confirm the module's durability. This validation is crucial before the spacecraft is integrated with the Space Launch System.

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