Module’s role is a reminder of multi-national effort

We’ve already mentioned the crew module’s planned separation from the European Service Module (ESM), one of the first critical steps to this splashdown process. It also happens to be a key moment in understanding how many hands it took to put this mission together. 

The ESM, which was built by the European Space Agency and its partner, Airbus Defence and Space, has provided the crew with electricity, propulsion, temperature control, air and water for their entire journey. 

Former Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield says it’s a reminder of collaboration across partners to help this historic mission happen.  

“In amongst a time of strife and uncertainty, it’s wonderful to have multiple countries — it’s a European service module, a Canadian on board, Americans and people working together to better understand the universe,” Hadfield told CBC News this morning.Â