VSMPO-AVISMA Corporation manufactured parts for fuel tank of the European Service Module test version. This ESA’ service module is intended for new NASA’s Orion spacecraft.

The tanks fabricated by Airbus Defense and Space are delivered without any internal components as yet. Only the tank shell filled with liquid is required for test purposes. Main objective of these initial tests is to check whether structural components are capable of heavy loads, particularly at the spacecraft takeoff. Titanium alloys are known for their lightweightness and strength properties thus one could expect that the fuel tank consisting of semi-sphere die forgings made by VSMPO-AVISMA Corporation will pass the tests successfully.

The Orion spacecraft is intended for Exploration Mission 1 will be constructed at Lockheed Martin facility in New Orleans. ESA’s service module will be constructed in Bremen (Germany) and its intention is to ensure control over power units, engine, onboard temperature as well as to provide the crew with water and oxygen supplies during the flight.