Orion spacecraft to make first test flight


NASA is preparing to launch its next-generation Orion spacecraft on an unmanned test flight. The capsule is designed to carry astronauts deeper into space than ever before,to an asteroid or even to Mars
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Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage

Spacecraft adapter

Upper stage

Launch abort system Propels crew module to safety in case of emergency on ascent

Heat shield: Largest of its kind ever built

Re-entry: Capsule will re-enter atmosphere at 20,000mph (32,187kp/h),at temperatures of up to 4,000°F (2,200°C). Parachutes slow craft before landing in ocean

Mission will test systems,software, radiation protection, heat-shield, parachutes and recovery gear prior to crewed mission by 2021

Service module

Orion capsule Crew and cargo transport

ORION CAPSULE Diameter: 16ft (5m) Length: 10ft (3.3m) Mass: 19,000-lb (8.5 tonnes)

On test flight capsule will carry hunks of aluminium in place of seats for ballast

FLIGHT TEST: Two orbits around Earth, duration 4hr 23 min

1 Launch: Cape Canaveral 

3 Landing and recovery: Pacific Ocean

2 Orion will fly as far as 3,600 miles (5,794km) from Earth 

Delta IV Heavy Rocket: Three RS-68 engines. For future flights, Orion will lift off on new rocket, Space Launch System (SLS)

Sources: NASA, United Launch Alliance, Lockheed Martin Corp, Boeing 

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