The Orion Crew Module, also known as the Orion Environmental Test Article (ETA), returned to NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio, in January 2024 and completed an 11-month test campaign necessary for the safety and success of Artemis II. In November 2024, experts completed the Crew Module Uprighting System Test, which is the system of five airbags on top of the capsule that inflate upon splashdown. Photo Credit: (NASA/Jordan Salkin)
The Orion Crew Module, also known as the Orion Environmental Test Article (ETA), returned to NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio, in January 2024 and completed an 11-month test campaign necessary for the safety and success of Artemis II. In November 2024, experts completed the Crew Module Uprighting System Test, which is the system of five airbags on top of the capsule that inflate upon splashdown. Photo Credit: (NASA/Jordan Salkin)
The Orion Crew Module, also known as the Orion Environmental Test Article (ETA), returned to NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio, in January 2024 and completed an 11-month test campaign necessary for the safety and success of Artemis II. In November 2024, experts completed the Crew Module Uprighting System Test, which is the system of five airbags on top of the capsule that inflate upon splashdown. Photo Credit: (NASA/Jordan Salkin and Quentin Schwinn)
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
The Orion Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory team completed two successful sea tests off the coast of Galveston, Texas, Dec. 1-3, 2018. CMUS is designed to inflate five bags after the Orion spacecraft and its crew splash down after returning from deep space missions, enabling the capsule to upright itself. NASA partnered with United States Coast Guard and Air Force and Texas A&M Galveston teams to perform the tests operations.
Airbags as part of the Orion crew module uprighting system are seen on the Crew Module Test Article (CMTA) as teams prepare to practice Artemis recovery operations during Underway Recovery Test-12 onboard USS Somerset, Thursday, March 27, 2025. During the test, NASA and Department of Defense teams are practicing to ensure recovery procedures are validated as NASA plans to send the Artemis II astronauts around the Moon and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – A Zodiac boat containing U.S. Navy divers approaches the Orion boilerplate test vehicle floating in the Pacific Ocean, a distance away from the USS Anchorage, during the third day of Orion Underway Recovery Test 3. Orange stabilizers on the top of the test vehicle were inflated to simulate the system that will be used to upright Orion in the water after splashdown. NASA, Lockheed Martin and U.S. Navy personnel are conducting the recovery test using the test vehicle to prepare for recovery of the Orion crew module on its return from a deep space mission. The test allows the teams to demonstrate and evaluate the recovery processes, procedures, hardware and personnel in open waters. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is conducting the underway recovery tests. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket and in 2018 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The tethered Orion boilerplate test vehicle is secured in the well deck of the USS Anchorage during the third day of Orion Underway Recovery Test 3 in the Pacific Ocean. Orange stabilizers on the top of the test vehicle were inflated to simulate the system that will be used to upright Orion in the water after splashdown. NASA, Lockheed Martin and U.S. Navy personnel are conducting the recovery test using the test vehicle to prepare for recovery of the Orion crew module on its return from a deep space mission. The test allows the teams to demonstrate and evaluate the recovery processes, procedures, hardware and personnel in open waters. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is conducting the underway recovery tests. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket and in 2018 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – A rigid hull inflatable boat containing U.S. Navy divers and other personnel approaches the Orion boilerplate test vehicle floating in the Pacific Ocean, a distance away from the USS Anchorage, during the third day of Orion Underway Recovery Test 3. Orange stabilizers on the top of the test vehicle were inflated to simulate the system that will be used to upright Orion in the water after splashdown. NASA, Lockheed Martin and U.S. Navy personnel are conducting the recovery test using the test vehicle to prepare for recovery of the Orion crew module on its return from a deep space mission. The test allows the teams to demonstrate and evaluate the recovery processes, procedures, hardware and personnel in open waters. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is conducting the underway recovery tests. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket and in 2018 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Inside the well deck of the U.S. Navy's USS Anchorage, the Orion boilerplate test vehicle is secured on its cradle before the start of a portion of Underway Recovery Test 2. Tether lines have been attached to the test vehicle and workers check the pressure of the bright orange stabilizers that will keep Orion upright in the water if needed. NASA, Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Navy are conducting the test in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego to prepare for recovery of the Orion crew module on its return from a deep space mission. The underway recovery test will allow the team to demonstrate and evaluate the recovery processes, procedures, new hardware and personnel in open waters. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is conducting the underway recovery test. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket and in 2017 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Inside the well deck of the U.S. Navy's USS Anchorage, the Orion boilerplate test vehicle is secured on its cradle before the start of a portion of Underway Recovery Test 2. A winch line leads to the test vehicle and tether lines have been attached to control Orion. The bright orange stabilizers have been readied to keep Orion upright in the water if needed. NASA, Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Navy are conducting the test in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego to prepare for recovery of the Orion crew module on its return from a deep space mission. The underway recovery test will allow the team to demonstrate and evaluate the recovery processes, procedures, new hardware and personnel in open waters. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is conducting the underway recovery test. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket and in 2017 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Orion boilerplate test vehicle floats in the Pacific Ocean, a distance away from the USS Anchorage, during the third day of Orion Underway Recovery Test 3. The orange stabilizers inflated on top help keep the test vehicle floating upright. NASA, Lockheed Martin and U.S. Navy personnel are conducting the recovery test using the test vehicle to prepare for recovery of the Orion crew module on its return from a deep space mission. The test allows the teams to demonstrate and evaluate the recovery processes, procedures, hardware and personnel in open waters. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is conducting the underway recovery tests. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket and in 2018 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Inside the well deck of the U.S. Navy's USS Anchorage, the Orion boilerplate test vehicle is secured on its cradle before the start of a portion of the Underway Recovery Test 2. Workers check the pressure of the bright orange stabilizers that will keep Orion upright in the water if needed. NASA, Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Navy are conducting the test in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego to prepare for recovery of the Orion crew module on its return from a deep space mission. The underway recovery test will allow the team to demonstrate and evaluate the recovery processes, procedures, new hardware and personnel in open waters. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is conducting the underway recovery test. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket and in 2017 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – U.S. Navy personnel in two rigid hull inflatable boats use tether lines to help guide the Orion boilerplate test vehicle during a portion of Underway Recovery Test 2 in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego. Orion was prepared for the test in the well deck of the USS Anchorage. The bright orange stabilizers help keep the test vehicle floating upright if needed. NASA, Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Navy are conducting the test to prepare for recovery of the Orion crew module on its return from a deep space mission. The underway recovery test will allow the team to demonstrate and evaluate the recovery processes, procedures, new hardware and personnel in open waters. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is conducting the underway recovery test. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket and in 2017 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – U.S. Navy personnel in a rigid hull inflatable boat use tether lines to help guide the Orion boilerplate test vehicle during a portion of Underway Recovery Test 2 in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego. Orion was prepared for the test in the well deck of the USS Anchorage. The bright orange stabilizers help keep the test vehicle floating upright if needed. NASA, Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Navy are conducting the test to prepare for recovery of the Orion crew module on its return from a deep space mission. The underway recovery test will allow the team to demonstrate and evaluate the recovery processes, procedures, new hardware and personnel in open waters. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is conducting the underway recovery test. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket and in 2017 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Inside the U.S. Navy’s USS Anchorage, NASA, Lockheed Martin and U.S. Navy personnel are preparing the Orion boilerplate test vehicle for a portion of Underway Recovery Test 2 in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego. Tether lines are attached to the test vehicle and a safety barrier has been installed to prevent Orion from going further into the well deck. The bright orange stabilizers have been readied to keep Orion upright in the water if needed. The test will help the team prepare for recovery of the Orion crew module on its return from a deep space mission. The underway recovery test will allow the team to demonstrate and evaluate the recovery processes, procedures, new hardware and personnel in open waters. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is conducting the underway recovery test. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket and in 2017 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Orion boilerplate test vehicle floats in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego during a portion of Underway Recovery Test 2. Orion was prepared for the test in the well deck of the USS Anchorage. Tether lines from the well deck are attached to Orion. The bright orange stabilizers help keep the test vehicle floating upright if needed. NASA, Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Navy are conducting the test to prepare for recovery of the Orion crew module on its return from a deep space mission. The underway recovery test will allow the team to demonstrate and evaluate the recovery processes, procedures, new hardware and personnel in open waters. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is conducting the underway recovery test. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket and in 2017 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Orion boilerplate test vehicle floats in the Pacific Ocean, a distance away from the USS Anchorage, during the third day of Orion Underway Recovery Test 3. The orange stabilizers inflated on top help keep the test vehicle floating upright. U.S. Navy divers in a Zodiac boat, at left, and other team members in a rigid hull inflatable boat prepare the test vehicle for return to the ship. NASA, Lockheed Martin and U.S. Navy personnel are conducting the recovery test using the test vehicle to prepare for recovery of the Orion crew module on its return from a deep space mission. The test allows the teams to demonstrate and evaluate the recovery processes, procedures, hardware and personnel in open waters. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is conducting the underway recovery tests. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket and in 2018 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Inside the U.S. Navy’s USS Anchorage, the well deck has filled with water around the Orion boilerplate test vehicle in preparation for a portion of Underway Recovery Test 2 in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego. Tether lines are being used to control the test vehicle as it floats forward and a safety barrier has been installed to prevent Orion from going further in the well deck. The bright orange stabilizers have been prepared to keep Orion upright in the water. NASA, Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Navy will conduct the test to prepare for recovery of the Orion crew module on its return from a deep space mission. The underway recovery test will allow the team to demonstrate and evaluate the recovery processes, procedures, new hardware and personnel in open waters. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is conducting the underway recovery test. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket and in 2017 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Orion boilerplate test vehicle floats in the Pacific Ocean, a distance away from the USS Anchorage, during the third day of Orion Underway Recovery Test 3. Orange stabilizers on the top of the test vehicle were inflated to simulate the system that will be used to upright Orion in the water after splashdown. U.S. Navy divers in a Zodiac boat, at right, and other team members in a rigid hull inflatable boat prepare the test vehicle for return to the well deck of the ship. NASA, Lockheed Martin and U.S. Navy personnel are conducting the recovery test using the test vehicle to prepare for recovery of the Orion crew module on its return from a deep space mission. The test allows the teams to demonstrate and evaluate the recovery processes, procedures, hardware and personnel in open waters. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is conducting the underway recovery tests. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket and in 2018 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston