Tag: Orion
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Europe’s ATV-4 prepares for launch amid contributions to future exploration
Europe’s latest space freighter, the Automated Transfer Vehicle-4 (ATV-4), is currently undergoing preparations for a realigned launch date following the replacement of a faulty unit inside the spacecraft. While the primary mission of ATV-4 will be to deliver a large load of cargo and propellants to the International Space Station, it will also help to…
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Captured Asteroid mission – Redefining EM-2 for the bold challenge
NASA administrator Charlie Bolden has officially announced an ambitious mission to send a crew to a captured asteroid as early as 2021. Mission planning is scheduled to begin in the summer, with the potential to redefine the 2021 Exploration Mission -2 (EM-2) flight, involving the Space Launch System (SLS) and the first crewed Orion spacecraft.…
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EFT-1 Orion has its secondary structures installed
The first Orion set to launch into space is now looking more like an actual spaceship, as engineers installed the secondary structures around the capsule. The Exploration Flight Test -1 (EFT-1) mission remains on track for launch next summer atop of a Delta IV Heavy launch vehicle. EFT-1 Progress: While Orion’s role with the Space…
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MAF undergoing major modification work ahead of SLS production
The Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) has begun its transformation back into the birth place of giant rockets that will enable the United States to return to deep space exploration. Modification work for the Space Launch System (SLS) is taking place across huge areas of the New Orleans facility, which will soon host the world’s largest…
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NASA sign up US Navy for opening three Orion splashdowns
An agreement has been signed with the United States Navy to provide splashdown recovery support for NASA’s Orion spacecraft through to the crewed Exploration Mission -2 (EM-2). The support will include Navy boat teams and a Landing Platform-Dock (LPD) ship, with two exercises scheduled ahead of the EFT-1 mission. Orion’s Naval Support: For the 30…
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Safety Panel impressed with challenged Exploration Program
NASA’s Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) have provided a report to NASA administrator Charlie Bolden stating they are impressed with the Agency’s work towards the opening missions for the Orion spacecraft. However, they admitted it is “challenged” by budget constraints. ASAP Meeting: The influential body – probably best known for taking a swipe at the…
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Orion processing heats up ahead of EFT-1 mission
NASA’s first Orion to head into space is continuing to be pieced together, with a major milestone – involving the first flight ready heat shield – now complete. The largest composite heat shield ever built will protect Orion during its high velocity re-entry during Exploration Flight Test -1 (EFT-1), which is just over 18 months…
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SLS launch to Orion separation – sequence outlined by NASA
The NASA teams working on the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft are continuing to build a huge collection of documentation that will provide the tools to launch and flight controllers tasked with sending the US monster rocket and its Orion passenger into space. SLS Launch To Orion Sep: The huge Space Launch System…
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Boeing outlines technology for crewed Mars missions
With a focus on building the archetypal missions for NASA’s new Space Launch System rocket, the U.S.-based Boeing Corporation has outlined their view of what technologies can be used to accomplish humankind’s goal of visiting crews to the Martian system – missions Boeing believes are possible through the combination of the SLS rocket’s lift capability,…
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Orion’s ATV Service Module deal may allow ESA astro on EM-2 mission
As was expected, NASA and ESA managers announced the European Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) will live on as the bulk of the Orion Service Module. With an emphasis on international cooperation for Beyond Earth Orbit (BEO) exploration, the ATV deal will lead to discussions on allowing an ESA astronaut to ride on Exploration Mission -2…