service module – Behind The Black

Airbus begins assembly Orion service module

May 20, 2016 9:02 am Robert Zimmerman

My heart be still! Airbus has announced that it is beginning assembly of the first Orion capsule service module.

Considering the cost to build about three Orion flight capsules, about $25 billion, one would think that would be enough to also build the capsule’s service module, especially since this is not cutting edge technology, having already been done with Apollo.

Not however when you are dealing with pork-laden government operations, where the customer, the taxpayer, is a good mark that you can suck for as much money as possible without any bad consequences. Make it sound cool and they will buy it, hook, line, and sinker!

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Chinese service module journeys to and from Moon

January 5, 2015 9:40 am Robert Zimmerman

The competition heats up: The service module of China’s first lunar return capsule, launched and successfully returned to Earth in November, is returning to lunar orbit after journeying to L2 more than 35,000 miles from the Moon.

After testing its maneuvering ability at L2, engineers are now moving it back to lunar orbit for further tests.

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NASA’s first test flight of both the Orion capsule and the heavy-lift SLS rocket in 2017 might be delayed because of design problems with the European-built service module.

January 16, 2014 9:29 am Robert Zimmerman

I am shocked, shocked! NASA’s first test flight of both the Orion capsule and the heavy-lift SLS rocket in 2017 might be delayed because of design problems with the European-built service module.

Overweight and struggling with design delays, the European-built service module for the Orion crew exploration vehicle may not be ready for a much-anticipated test flight by the end of 2017. The preliminary design review for the Orion spacecraft’s critical engine and power element is now on track for May after a six-month delay to contend with weight issues, according to Thomas Reiter, director of the European Space Agency’s human spaceflight and operations programs.

I am willing to bet that SpaceX will put astronauts in space on Dragonrider before this unmanned SLS flight occurs.

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ESA has announced a six month delay in the development of its service module for the Orion capsule.

November 22, 2013 5:26 pm Robert Zimmerman

ESA has announced a six month delay in the development of its service module for the Orion capsule.

Y’know, you can’t finish these government projects too quickly. Otherwise, the cash cow is gone and stops producing milk!

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The preliminary design for Europe’s service module, to be used with the Orion spacecraft, has come in about a half ton too heavy.

June 17, 2013 9:59 pm Robert Zimmerman

The preliminary design for Europe’s service module, to be used with the Orion spacecraft, has come in about a half ton too heavy.

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An expensive Frankenstein in space

January 17, 2013 9:52 am Robert Zimmerman

The European Space Agency and NASA have confirmed that the Europeans will be building the service module for Orion.

Several points:
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A service module to nowhere

November 23, 2012 9:26 am Robert Zimmerman

As a replacement for its discontinued ATV cargo freighter — which paid its share of ISS — Europe has decided to build a service module for the Orion capsule.

This decision occurred at the same time ESA decided to upgrade Ariane 5 rather than replace it. Both decisions, to my mind, were serious mistakes.
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NASA in negotiations with ESA to have them provide the service module for Orion

January 10, 2012 2:24 pm Robert Zimmerman

NASA is in negotiations with ESA to have them provide the service module for Orion.

Orion is costing billions, yet NASA hasn’t the ability or budget to build its service module?

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