| Posted on Nov 13, 2007 12:00:00 AM | NASA EDGE | 10 Comments | |
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I have to tell you that my “outsider” status is in serious jeopardy. I’m going to meetings, hobnobbing with engineers and researchers, and basically becoming an Orion expert.
Chris actually slipped up the other day and asked me a direct question about NASA’s return to the Moon. The times, they are a changing.
So, here are a few select shots from my daily Orion briefing that I thought you might enjoy.
(Viewer note: I find these pictures even MORE interesting if you hum the theme from the “The Right Stuff” while viewing)
Engineers put the outer skin on the Pad Abort Version of the Orion. Credit: NASA
It takes a very steady hand. Credit: NASA
The folks working on Orion are NASA EDGE Fans. Credit: NASA
I wouldn’t believe if I didn’t see it with my own eyes. Credit: NASA, Photoshop retouching: anonymous.
More “Inside” information soon.
The Co-Host
Tags : General
nice done
Jason wrote:
"Good information, useful to me. Thanks."
Note - We can't use external links due to NASA rules and regulations.
Thanks,
The Co-Host
For some reason I thought it would be bigger, but cool nonetheless.
Personaly,I think the EDGE logo should stay on the Orion, Photoshop-ed or not, very stylish.
Also can't wait until the september test. I know it will be ver' cool. Was wondering if tickets will be on sale for the event, if so will NASA keep the scalpers out?
Seriously, I understand there is another mock up module to be tested at Langley. Am I right? Will this be at the test facility where they crash airplanes? Is that nicknamed the Gantry? Didn't they test the origial moon lander there in the 60s? I saw on the Science channel a place they 'bombed' in AZ to make it look like the moon so the astronauts could practice landing flyovers. Way cool, hope that happens again. You guys definately need to be there for that one.
Thanks for putting up with me,
Chris (the annoying non host)
I wish that i can see this in my own eyes this picks are so..
http://www.netbaza.net
Interesting... Yes, the shots are good!! And those folks can be NASA EDGE fans, but I'm just not sure if the "NASA EDGE" logo on it is real... kind of hard to believe, but I'll go with it. If the Co-Host says it's real, maybe it is, I'll never know!
In September 2008, NASA will be conducting the first Pad Abort flight test. They are calling it Pad Abort 1. This will take place in White Sands, New Mexico. The primary objective is to test the Launch Abort System or LAS. The LAS will be the most expensive part of the Orion spacecraft that hopefully will never be used. The LAS essentially covers the Orion crew module. Pad Abort 1 will simulate how the LAS will function in case something happens to the Ares 1 launch vehicle at the pad. The Pad Abort 1 test will consist of the Orion crew module flight test article (picture shown in the original post)and the launch abort system. We don't have the ability to show videos on this blog, but if you are a Facebook member then check out our NASA EDGE profile. We have an animation of the pad abort test for our friends to see. Hope this helps.
Chris
Host
PS. Blair was on the right track.
Great Question CJ! Let me attempt to answer. Essentially the Pad Abort version of Orion is an exact replica of the real Orion without all of the sophisticated instrumentation and, of course, without the astronauts. The purpose of the Pad Abort version is to simulate all aspects of the real Orion without putting lives and expensive technology at unnecessary risk.
For the record, I could be wrong. I am about 88% confident about this explanation. We'll have to see what Chris has to say.
Take care,
The Co-Host
Co-host,
What's the pad abort version of the Orion?
Great shots! I didn't realize how big the Orion capsule was. You guys should shoot a show inside it. Is the co-host afraid of becoming an "insider"?
When's the next show come out?