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

Behind the crew's seats, the service module lit its single main engine in a long, steady push that added thousands of kilometres per hour to Orion's speed.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

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

Just like the sixth trip into space, the latest version of the X-37B, features a service module that allows for hosted experiments with partner agencies.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 28, 2023

The plane launched on May 17, 2020, carrying for the first time a service module that augmented how much it could take into space.

From Washington Times • Nov. 12, 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