The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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Space Shuttle Orbital Maneuvering System on NASA's Space Shuttle. These engines will be reused on ESA's service module for the Orion spacecraft.
Once the Orion spacecraft has escaped the clutches of Earth’s gravity, it will rely on the engines of ESA’s service module to navigate and orient itself in space.
A total of 33 engines of three types provide thrust to manoeuvre the spacecraft on all axes.
The main engine on the first mission is a repurposed Space Shuttle Orbital Maneuvering System engine that has flown in space before.
This engine provides 25.7 kN, enough to lift a van, and can swivel in pitch and yaw.