The Orion spacecraft for Artemis II, the first crewed mission to the Moon in over 50 years, is now equipped with its powerful solar wings, built and attached by European engineers. These four solar arrays are essential for providing power to Orion and its crew as they travel to the Moon and back.

Orion’s solar arrays during Artemis I. Credit: NASA

Each of the seven-metre-long solar arrays is attached to ESA’s European Service Module, which provides propulsion, thermal control and electrical power to Orion, as well as air and water for the astronauts inside the spacecraft.  

The solar arrays can rotate on two axes to stay aligned with the Sun, maximising energy production. During Artemis I, the solar arrays of the European Service Module generated 15% more power than initially expected.

Orion’s solar arrays moving to capture maximum sunlight during Artemis I. Credit: ESA-M. Deschamps

Precision installation 

Technicians begin working on the installation of the four solar array wings for NASA’s Artemis II Orion spacecraft inside the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on Feb. 27, 2025. Credit: NASA

Technicians begin working on the installation of the four solar array wings at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Credit: NASA

On 22 February, technicians at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida carefully lifted Orion out of its assembly stand to begin installing the solar wings. The installation is a very delicate process which takes over a week and is performed by the engineers from Airbus in the Netherlands, where the solar arrays were built. 

Each wing was meticulously aligned and secured to the European Service Module using 16 hold-down release mechanisms. These release mechanisms ensure the solar panels remain locked during launch.

Technicians begin working on the installation of the four solar array wings for NASA’s Artemis II Orion spacecraft inside the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on Feb. 27, 2025. Credit: NASA

The Orion spacecraft inside the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Credit: NASA

Each wing consists of three hinged panels held in place by restraining cables connected to thermal resistors; when Orion reaches orbit, an electrical current heats the resistors, breaking the cables and allowing the panels to unfold automatically. Engineers conducted a “glow test” to verify this deployment system during the installation. The engineers then perform laser alignment checks while integrating the solar arrays, making sure at every step of the way that these are perfectly aligned with the release mechanisms.

Each solar array is made of three panels. Credit: NASA

A solar wing’s journey 

The solar arrays were manufactured by Airbus in the Netherlands, near ESA’s technical heart ESTEC. They were transported to the United States in February 2023. Soon after, the solar wings were extended for the first time to confirm they remained undamaged during transport.

Solar array wing deployment test at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

The solar wings were installed a first time ahead of a crucial acoustic test, the Direct Field Acoustic Testing (DFAT), in May 2023, which simulates the intense vibrations of launch. Connecting the solar arrays for this test was necessary to understand how the spacecraft’s entire structure responds to these conditions. After testing, the wings were removed. For Artemis IV onwards, more representative simulations are being developed which could help engineers test Orion without repeated installation and removal of the solar arrays.

D-FAT testing at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, 5 May 2023. Credits: NASA

Late in 2024, four GoPro cameras were installed at each tip of the solar wings. During Artemis I, these cameras were used to capture stunning images, including the most distant selfies ever taken on a human-rated spacecraft. 

Now, the solar arrays have been attached to their final destination, ready for their journey towards the Moon.

Solar arrays installed on NASA's Artemis II Orion spacecraft inside the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, early March 2025. Credit: NASA

Solar arrays installed on Orion. Credit: NASA

What’s next? 

With the solar arrays attached, the next step is to install three large fairing panels around the European Service Module. These protective panels shield the solar wings from the heat, wind and vibrations of launch. Once Orion reaches space, the panels will be ejected and the solar arrays will unfold to greet the Sun’s light, providing power to the spacecraft.

Technicians begin working on the installation of the four solar array wings for NASA’s Artemis II Orion spacecraft inside the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on Feb. 27, 2025. Credit: NASA

To the left of Orion are the fairing panels, ready to cover our European Service Module. Credit: NASA

Following these installations, Orion will undergo final checks before being moved to the Exploration Ground System team, where it will be stacked onto the Space Launch System rocket, preparing for its historic journey to the Moon in 2026.

Orion's solar arrays were built at Airbus in the Netherlands; the same European engineers came to NASA's Kennedy Space Center to install the four wings on Orion. Credit: NASA

Orion’s solar arrays were built at Airbus in the Netherlands; the same European engineers came to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center to install the four wings on Orion. Credit: NASA

Solar arrays installed on NASA's Artemis II Orion spacecraft inside the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, early March 2025. Credit: Lockheed Martin

Credit: Lockheed Martin