El viaje de Artemis II a la Luna llevará tecnología madrileña: la NASA la eligió para un sistema crítico de la nave

The upcoming Artemis II mission to the Moon, scheduled for April 1, 2026, will carry critical technology developed in Spain, underscoring European advancements in space technology. This mission, which will see four astronauts orbit the Moon, marks a significant step in humanity's return to lunar exploration after a half-century hiatus. The inclusion of a Spanish-made component highlights the growing European contribution to vital international space endeavors. The European Space Agency's (ESA) European Service Module (ESM) for the Orion spacecraft is central to this technological integration. Airbus Crisa, a company based in Tres Cantos, Madrid, has designed and manufactured the Thermal Control Unit (TCU) for the ESM. This essential system is responsible for regulating internal temperatures and providing air and water to the astronauts, ensuring a habitable environment. This involvement is particularly noteworthy as NASA has entrusted a non-US company with a critical component for a crewed U.S. space mission for the first time. Airbus Crisa's TCU plays a pivotal role in life support, monitoring and controlling internal conditions, and is a testament to the sophisticated engineering capabilities present within the European tech sector, pushing the boundaries of digital infrastructure in extreme environments.