31.03.2026
Back to the Moon: Beyond Gravity Supports NASA’s Artemis II Mission
For the first time in over 50 years, humanity is preparing to return to the Moon as part of NASA’s Artemis program. Artemis II is scheduled to open its launch window in early April and send four astronauts on a journey around the Moon and back. The European space industry is also playing a crucial role in this endeavor: The European Service Module (ESM) is being developed and manufactured by Airbus on behalf of the European Space Agency (ESA). Beyond Gravity is supplying key components for this mission, thereby making a significant contribution to the power supply of NASA’s Orion spacecraft.
For the first time since 1972, humans are preparing to return to the Moon through NASA’s Artemis missions. Launched with the successful uncrewed Artemis I test flight in 2022, the program is now moving toward crewed exploration. Artemis II will take four astronauts on a journey around the Moon and back, testing and validating critical systems for future missions. This will be followed by Artemis III, which is planned as a test mission in Earth orbit to demonstrate docking with commercial lunar landers. The first human landing on the Moon in more than 50 years is targeted for Artemis IV.
For Artemis II, Beyond Gravity contributes key components to the European Service Module (ESM) of the Orion spacecraft. The Space Launch System (SLS), which transports the Orion spacecraft into space, is also of central importance to the Artemis program. Looking ahead, the company’s involvement will expand further, with Beyond Gravity supplying critical components for SLS launch vehicles.
“We are extremely proud to contribute to such a huge and important program,” says Oliver Grassmann, Chief Operating Officer of Beyond Gravity. “The Artemis program is a truly international effort, and our close collaboration with partners in Europe and the United States is key to delivering reliable technologies for human space exploration and the exciting return to the Moon.”
Off to the Moon with Orion and the European Service Module (ESM)
A central element of all Artemis missions is ESA’s European Service Module (ESM), which powers NASA’s Orion spacecraft and supports the crew throughout their journey. Developed and manufactured by Airbus on behalf of the European Space Agency (ESA), the ESM powers Orion and provides the astronauts onboard with electricity, propulsion, drinking water, a breathable atmosphere, and a comfortable temperature.
Beyond Gravity’s Contribution to the ESM
Beyond Gravity is supplying the solar array drive mechanisms for the European Service Module. Developed in Zurich, Switzerland, and including slip rings and twist capsules from Nyon, Switzerland, these mechanisms deploy and move the four solar wings of the ESM, transferring the generated electricity to the Orion spacecraft. The mechanisms are designed for extremely precise movements, enabling the solar wings to tilt and rotate to track the Sun and to position cameras for spacecraft inspection. They can also tilt forward to shield the solar cells from Orion’s main engine exhaust during lunar orbit insertion, and tilt back to reduce acceleration loads - critical requirements for mission success. “These Solar Array Drive Mechanisms are some of the most complex mechanisms in space. Beyond Gravity has been selected for the development and manufacturing of these items based on our unique know-how and capabilities in that field of technology”, adds Alexandra Isele, VP Mechanical Satellites Solutions at Beyond Gravity.
Beyond Gravity’s Contributions to Future Artemis Missions
Beyond Gravity’s involvement with the Artemis program extends beyond the European Service Module. For future missions, the company is supplying key components for the Space Launch System (SLS). For the SLS, Beyond Gravity is leveraging its expertise in carbon fiber composite manufacturing to produce a large connector, the Universal Stage Adapter, which links the launch vehicle to the service module. “Work on this adapter started back in 2017 and was carried out at our U.S. facility in Decatur, Alabama. We performed both the design analysis and production at our plant in the U.S.,” explained Justin Elliott, VP Launchers Structures US. The adapter measures 9.9 meters in height and 8.4 meters in diameter at its widest point, and will be used for the first time on Artemis IV, supplied by prime contractor Leidos.
Contact
Jasmine Zimmerli, Senior Manager Communications & Media
+41 79 808 94 50, jasmine.zimmerli@beyondgravity.com
Christian Thalmayr, Senior Global Communication Manager
+43 180199, christian.thalmayr@beyondgravity.com
About Beyond Gravity
Beyond Gravity, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, is the first space company to combine a startup mindset, agility, speed and innovation with decades of experience and proven quality. Approximately 1900 employees at 12 locations in six countries (Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, USA, Finland and Portugal) develop and produce solutions for satellites and launch vehicles with the goal of advancing humankind and enabling the exploration of the world and beyond. Beyond Gravity is the preferred supplier of structures for all types of launch vehicles and a leading provider of selected satellite products and constellation solutions in the New Space sector. In 2025, the company generated a revenue of around CHF 402 million.
