service module

American  

noun

1. (often initial capital letters) the section of an Apollo spacecraft containing the principal propulsion system, electrical system, water, and other supplies.

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service module British  

noun

1. a section of an Apollo spacecraft housing the rocket engine, radar, fuel cells, etc, and jettisoned on re-entry into the earth's atmosphere See also lunar module command module

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Etymology

Origin of service module

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Its service module, providing propulsion and power, was developed by the European Space Agency, with Airbus serving as lead contractor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

On arrival, the service module, which has the spacecraft's primary propulsion system, separates from the crew module.

From BBC • Sep. 23, 2025

Ms. Harris said the European Space Agency built the service module that will carry Artemis astronauts to the moon and that Europe, Japan and Canada will make “significant contributions” to the lunar space station.

From Washington Times • Dec. 20, 2023

For the test flight, the European Space Agency’s service module was attached for propulsion and solar power via four wings.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 15, 2022

Twenty-one hours on the surface of the Moon for two astronauts in the lunar lander, while the service module circled the heavenly body in a parking orbit.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly