This image may not be used to state or imply ESA endorsement of any company or product Orion and ESM spacecraft in Earth orbit, illustration. The comp

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This image may not be used to state or imply ESA endorsement of any company or product Orion and ESM spacecraft in Earth orbit, illustration. The components of this spacecraft include the European Service Module (ESM, cylindrical) which provides electricity, propulsion, air and water. The solar array is 19 metres across. The propellant powers one main engine and 32 smaller thrusters. The Orion crew module (conical) on top of the ESM houses four astronauts and cargo. Formally known as the Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV), it is designed to re-enter Earth's atmosphere, protected by its heat shield. Developed by NASA and the ESA, with a test flight taking place in 2014, the first Orion crewed launches are scheduled for around 2023. The Orion spacecraft are intended for use in Earth orbit, and for human exploration of the Moon, the asteroids and of Mars. Artwork published in 2015.

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Size: 2917px × 3500px
Photo credit: © D. Ducros/EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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