NASA’s new Orion spacecraft received finishing touches Thursday, marking the conclusion of construction on the first spacecraft designed to send humans into deep space beyond the moon, including a journey to Mars that begins with its first test flight Dec. 4.
The assembled Orion crew module, service module, launch abort system and adapter will reside in Kennedy’s Launch Abort System Facility until its scheduled rollout to the launch pad, set for Nov. 10. At the launch pad, it will be lifted onto the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket that will carry it into space for its uncrewed flight test.
“This is just the first of what will be a long line of exploration missions beyond low earth orbit, and in a few years we will be sending our astronauts to destinations humans have never experienced,” said Bill Hill, deputy associate administrator for Exploration Systems Development “It’s thrilling to be a part of the journey now, at the beginning.”
The December flight test will send Orion 3,600 miles from Earth on a two-orbit flight intended to ensure the spacecraft’s critical systems are ready for the challenges of deep space missions.
During the 4.5-hour flight, called Exploration Flight Test-1, Orion will travel farther than any crewed spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years, before returning to Earth at speeds near 20,000 mph and generating temperatures up to 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Will we see the launch live im the UK?
Roger
looks really cool how is the mars expedition going o ??
Where will it land after the test flight?
Fantastic! Go Orion, and the people who have made this possible!
I would like to know the outside of the earth
I wish to all the person who will gone on orion. All the very best.
All the very best.
All the Best.
I’m so excited. I wish I’m still around when humankind reaches Mars and beyond.
THIS WILL BE THE MIDASS TOUCH OF HUMANS MIND ON THE TIME……….
God Bless u. All the Best.
I pray to god gives u power to Complete this mission. All the best.
Best of Luck all of u
Dear NASA
It is beautiful we are allowed to have the vision.
You contribute more than any other government department to
make our life sustainable and liveable.
thank you
Lars Fribert
go orion make n.s.s.a proud it has been a long time it would be nice to take it to the Russians again good luck and god bless all how made it a reality.
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hiya
Fantastic pictures!! More of this and outer space photos on NASA Tv. would be very good.
What time is the launch going to be?
3,600 miles from Earth, is not a little bit short trip?
Is it correctly expressed in the right units?
go nasa go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Go NASA GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Every milestone is important for mankind, I wish the dedicated persons behind a sucessful journey. tell us how you feel after launch