Beyond Gravity is involved in NASA's Artemis missions

(CONNECT) Beyond Gravity is involved in NASA 's next mission to the moon. As part of the Artemis II space program, it is to send four astronauts on a journey around the moon at the beginning of April, according to a statement from the Zurich-based space company. A central element of this and the subsequent Artemis missions already planned is the European Service Module of the European Space Agency. This module supplies NASA's Orion spacecraft with energy and provides the astronauts on board with electricity, propulsion and drinking water. It also creates a breathable atmosphere and a pleasant temperature.

Beyond Gravity supplies the drive mechanisms for the solar system for this service module. They were developed in Zurich. The mechanisms include slip rings and rotary capsules produced by the subsidiary Beyond Gravity Slip Rings in Nyon VD. The mechanisms are designed for extremely precise movements and allow the solar wings to tilt and rotate to follow the sun and position cameras to inspect the spacecraft.

"These drive mechanisms for solar arrays are among the most complex mechanisms in space," Alexandra Isele, Beyond Gravity's Vice President Mechanical Satellites Solutions, is quoted as saying. "Beyond Gravity was selected to develop and manufacture these components due to its unique expertise and capabilities in this technology field."

For future Artemis missions, Beyond Gravity is supplying key components for the Space Launch System, i.e. the launch vehicle. With its expertise in the production of carbon fiber composites, the company will manufacture the Universal Stage Adapter, which connects the launcher to the service module. Work on this began back in 2017 at the plant in Decatur, Alabama, the headquarters of Beyond Gravity USA. The adapter is 9.9 meters high and measures 8.4 meters at its widest point. He will be used for the first time in Artemis IV. Then, in 2028, humans will set foot on the moon again. ce/mm