The launch abort system ogives are installed on the Orion test article at Lockheed Martin facilities near Denver on Sept. 6, 2011. The ogives are four protective panels that shield the crew module from the severe vibrations and sounds experienced during launch. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

The Orion launch abort system and crew module test articles undergo stacking at Lockheed Martin’s facilities near Denver in preparation for acoustic testing on Aug. 9, 2011. To emulate the sound pressure levels experienced at launch, the tests exposed Orion and its launch abort system to acoustic levels exceeding 150 decibels, while hundreds of instruments record the vehicle’s response. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

Launch of Atlas V LDCM, from Vandenberg AFB, California

The Orion launch abort system and crew module test articles undergo stacking at Lockheed Martin’s facilities near Denver in preparation for acoustic testing on Aug. 15, 2011. To emulate the sound pressure levels experienced at launch, the tests exposed Orion and its launch abort system to acoustic levels exceeding 150 decibels, while hundreds of instruments record the vehicle’s response. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

The Orion crew module test article is lifted from the transport fixture to the test stand in the Reverberant Acoustics Laboratory (RAL) at the Lockheed Martin facility in Waterton, Colorado for acoustic testing on June 28, 2011. The testing of approximately 150dB simulated sound pressure levels that the vehicle will encounter during launch, ascent, and if required, abort. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

Orion Media Day takes place at Lockheed Martin’s Waterton facility in Littleton, Colorado on Oct. 21, 2011. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

Launch of Atlas V LDCM, from Vandenberg AFB, California

Orion Media Day takes place at Lockheed Martin’s Waterton facility in Littleton, Colorado on Oct. 21, 2011. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

The Orion launch abort system and crew module test articles undergo stacking at Lockheed Martin’s facilities near Denver in preparation for acoustic testing on Aug. 15, 2011. To emulate the sound pressure levels experienced at launch, the tests exposed Orion and its launch abort system to acoustic levels exceeding 150 decibels, while hundreds of instruments record the vehicle’s response. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

Orion Media Day takes place at Lockheed Martin’s Waterton facility in Littleton, Colorado on Oct. 21, 2011. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

Orion Media Day takes place at Lockheed Martin’s Waterton facility in Littleton, Colorado on Oct. 21, 2011. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

Orion Media Day takes place at Lockheed Martin’s Waterton facility in Littleton, Colorado on Oct. 21, 2011. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

Technicians position microphones around the Orion launch abort system and crew module test articles in preparation for the second round of testing in the acoustic chamber at Lockheed Martin’s facilities near Denver on Aug. 16, 2011. The vehicle was bombarded by acoustic levels of 150 decibels to simulate conditions during launch and abort if necessary. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

Orion Media Day takes place at Lockheed Martin’s Waterton facility in Littleton, Colorado on Oct. 21, 2011. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

Orion Media Day takes place at Lockheed Martin’s Waterton facility in Littleton, Colorado on Oct. 21, 2011. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.