As NASA prepares for the launch window of Artemis II, Space Applications Services and its U.S. subsidiary Aerospace Applications North America (AANA) highlight the transatlantic contributions supporting crew‑critical technologies aboard the Orion spacecraft. Artemis II will mark the first crewed mission of the Artemis program and the first human voyage beyond low Earth orbit in more than five decades.
Aerospace Applications North America, located in Houston, plays an active role in the development and prototyping of cockpit display formats used in NASA’s Cockpit Rapid Prototyping Laboratory at the Johnson Space Center. These interfaces are essential to how astronauts monitor spacecraft systems, conduct procedures, and maintain situational awareness throughout all phases of the mission. NASA’s approach to crew interfaces emphasizes clarity, safety, and workload reduction, and relies on extensive simulation and iterative testing — areas where AANA’s expertise is directly integrated into mission preparation.
In addition to display development, AANA collaborates with NASA on software tools and simulation environments that inform design decisions, operational performance, and astronaut‑system interactions. These capabilities help ensure that key elements of the crew experience are validated early and refined continuously as mission requirements evolve.
On the European side, Space Applications Services contributes to a broad set of strategic programs and developments across the exploration and commercial ecosystems. The company’s work reinforces long‑standing transatlantic collaboration, notably in connection with NASA missions and European contributions to the Orion spacecraft, including those provided by the European Space Agency.
“Space exploration relies on international collaboration and on the ability of many teams to bring their expertise together. At Space Applications Services, we have been developing technologies that support these ambitions for several decades, both in Europe and in the United States. The current focus on Artemis II is a great opportunity to highlight the diversity of our activities and the continued commitment of our teams to contribute to missions that advance human and robotic exploration.”
— Richard Aked, Managing Director, Space Applications Services
“Our teams in Houston are proud to support NASA’s crew interface development and simulation capabilities. Artemis II represents a milestone for human deep space exploration, and the technologies we help shape contribute directly to astronaut operations and mission readiness. It is an honor to work alongside NASA and our colleagues in Europe as this next chapter of exploration begins.”
— Matt Souris, President, Aerospace Applications North America Inc.
Strategic projects within the wider Space Applications Services ecosystem
Starlab
Starlab is a future commercial space station designed to succeed the International Space Station. Space Applications Services is a strategic partner and equity owner, contributing avionics, payload integration, operational software and the ICE Cubes Service dedicated to microgravity research.
LUVMI-M
LUVMI M is a commercial lunar rover mission that will deliver scientific and commercial payloads to the lunar surface. Launch is planned for late 2028.
LPSR
The Lunar Prospecting and Scouting Rover (LPSR) is ESA’s logistics rover for which Space Applications Services is performing the design definition phase. It will provide rapid mobility, high autonomy and survival capability during the lunar night. Launch is planned for 2030.
MOGOS
MOGOS is a patented reduced‑gravity simulation system developed by Space Applications Services. Used by ESA and DLR, it allows astronauts, rovers and equipment to be trained and evaluated in simulated lunar environments.
Further information or interview requests
Interviews with leadership from Aerospace Applications North America or Space Applications Services can be arranged upon request.
About Aerospace Applications North America
Aerospace Applications North America, based in Houston, supports NASA programs and commercial space initiatives through advanced software, simulation and human-machine interface development.
About Space Applications Services
Space Applications Services, based in Zaventem, develops and integrates advanced technologies for human spaceflight, space exploration and defense. Its American subsidiary, Aerospace Applications North America, has supported NASA programs and commercial space initiatives since 2004.
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