The MV Canopée, the world’s first hybrid propulsion commercial cargo vessel, made its inaugural U.S. visit to Port Canaveral, delivering a crucial component for NASA’s upcoming Artemis III mission to the moon.
The specially designed roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ship transported the European Service Module (ESM-3), which will be part of the first crewed lunar mission since the Apollo era.
“Port Canaveral was thrilled to welcome the MV Canopée on its first visit to the U.S. and proud to support NASA and their European Space Agency partners as they prepare for a historic return to the Moon,” said Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO.
The French-flagged MV Canopée, launched in 2022, represents a significant advancement in maritime technology. Designed and built by ArianeGroup, the 400-foot-long vessel utilizes both wind and fuel for propulsion, featuring four innovative wing sails that can rotate 360 degrees to optimize wind capture. This hybrid design allows for up to 30% fuel savings per trip, according to the vessel’s builders.
Ambassador Services International (ASI) oversaw the careful unloading of the ESM-3 module and its transfer to a flatbed truck for transport to the nearby Kennedy Space Center. The successful delivery marks a crucial step in NASA’s Artemis program, bringing humanity closer to its return to the lunar surface.
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