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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Tim Wright, a United Space Alliance engineering manager at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, removes the heat shield tiles that will be installed to the backshell of the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle's Exploration Flight Test EFT-1 capsule from a Keith thermal automation oven. Inside, the tiles were baked at 2,200 degrees F to cure their ceramic coating. The work to manufacture and inspect the tiles is taking place in Kennedy's Thermal Protection System Facility. EFT-1 will be used during Orion's first test flight in space. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: Frankie Martin KSC-2012-1577

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Tim Wright, a United Space Alliance engineerin...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Tim Wright, a United Space Alliance engineering manager at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, removes the heat shield tiles that will be installed to the backshell of the Orion Mult... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Todd May, Space Launch System program manager, takes part in a briefing inside the Young-Crippen Firing Room at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA officials discussed the goals and expectations for a September 2014 flight test called Exploration Flight Test-1 or EFT-1 as part of the agency's goal of launching astronauts into deep space. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2013-1655

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Todd May, Space Launch System program manager, ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Todd May, Space Launch System program manager, takes part in a briefing inside the Young-Crippen Firing Room at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA officials discussed the goals ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the heat shield for the agency's Orion spacecraft is being offloaded from the Super Guppy aircraft. The largest of its kind ever built, the heat shield is planned for installation on the Orion crew module in March of next year. The Orion spacecraft is scheduled to make its first unpiloted flight test, Exploration Flight Test-1 EFT-1, in September 2014.    The Orion spacecraft is designed to meet requirements for traveling beyond low-Earth orbit. The spacecraft will serve as the exploration vehicle that will carry crews to space, sustain the astronauts during the space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/orion Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nasher KSC-2013-4248

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the heat shield for the agency's Orion spacecraft is being offloaded from the Super Guppy aircraft. The largest ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The heat shield for the Orion spacecraft has been placed on a work stand inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The heat shield arrived at Kennedy’s Shuttle Landing Facility on Dec. 5 on NASA’s Super Guppy aircraft. The largest of its kind ever built, the heat shield is planned for installation on the Orion crew module in March 2014.    The Orion spacecraft is being prepared for its first unpiloted flight test, Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, scheduled for launch atop a Delta IV rocket in September 2014. The Orion spacecraft is designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. Orion is scheduled to launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket in 2017. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Mike Chambers KSC-2013-4354

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The heat shield for the Orion spacecraft has b...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The heat shield for the Orion spacecraft has been placed on a work stand inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The heat shield a... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The heat shield for the Orion spacecraft has been placed on a work stand inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The heat shield arrived at Kennedy’s Shuttle Landing Facility on Dec. 5 on NASA’s Super Guppy aircraft. The largest of its kind ever built, the heat shield is planned for installation on the Orion crew module in March 2014.    The Orion spacecraft is being prepared for its first unpiloted flight test, Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, scheduled for launch atop a Delta IV rocket in September 2014. The Orion spacecraft is designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. Orion is scheduled to launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket in 2017. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Mike Chambers KSC-2013-4352

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The heat shield for the Orion spacecraft has b...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The heat shield for the Orion spacecraft has been placed on a work stand inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The heat shield a... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- One of the three main parachutes for the Orion spacecraft is enclosed in its shipping container on a pallet inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Technicians will prepare the parachute for installation on Orion.    The Orion spacecraft is being prepared for its first unpiloted flight test, Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, scheduled for launch atop a Delta IV rocket in September 2014. The Orion spacecraft is designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. Orion is scheduled to launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket in 2017. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2013-4356

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- One of the three main parachutes for the Orion...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- One of the three main parachutes for the Orion spacecraft is enclosed in its shipping container on a pallet inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space C... More

JASON ELDRIDGE, AN ERC INCORPORATED EMPLOYEE SUPPORTING THE MATERIALS & PROCESSES LABORATORY AT NASA'S MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER, SIGNS HIS NAME ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ADAPTER THAT WILL CONNECT THE ORION SPACECRAFT TO A UNITED LAUNCH ALLIANCE DELTA IV ROCKET FOR EXPLORATION FLIGHT TEST (EFT)-1. MARSHALL CENTER TEAM MEMBERS WHO WERE INVOLVED IN THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND TESTING OF THE ADAPTER HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO AUTOGRAPH IT BEFORE THE HARDWARE IS SHIPPED TO NASA'S KENNEDY SPACE CENTER IN FEBRUARY. ELDRIDGE WAS ON A TEAM THAT PERFORMED ULTRASONIC INSPECTIONS ON THE ADAPTER'S WELDS -- ENSURING THEY ARE STRUCTURALLY SOUND. EFT-1, SCHEDULED FOR 2014, WILL PROVIDE EARLY EXPERIENCE FOR NASA SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM (SLS) HARDWARE AHEAD OF THE ROCKET'S FIRST FLIGHT IN 2017. 1301253

JASON ELDRIDGE, AN ERC INCORPORATED EMPLOYEE SUPPORTING THE MATERIALS ...

JASON ELDRIDGE, AN ERC INCORPORATED EMPLOYEE SUPPORTING THE MATERIALS & PROCESSES LABORATORY AT NASA'S MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER, SIGNS HIS NAME ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ADAPTER THAT WILL CONNECT THE ORION SPA... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians use a special handling device to move the first of three fairings closer for installation on the service module for the Orion spacecraft.      The Orion spacecraft is being prepared for its first unpiloted flight test, Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, scheduled for launch atop a Delta IV rocket in September 2014. The Orion spacecraft is designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. Orion is scheduled to launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket in 2017. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper KSC-2013-4469

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building hig...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians use a special handling device to move the first of three fairings closer for in... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians have completed the installation of two of three fairings on the service module for the Orion spacecraft.      The Orion spacecraft is being prepared for its first unpiloted flight test, Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, scheduled for launch atop a Delta IV rocket in September 2014. The Orion spacecraft is designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. Orion is scheduled to launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket in 2017. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2013-4482

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building hig...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians have completed the installation of two of three fairings on the service module ... More

Orion Underway Recovery Test for EFT-1

Orion Underway Recovery Test for EFT-1

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – On the USS San Diego, a crane is used to lower a rigid hull inflatable boat into the Pacific Ocean as part of the Orion underway recovery test. The Orion boilerplate test vehicle and other h... More

Orion Underway Recovery Test for EFT-1

Orion Underway Recovery Test for EFT-1

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – On the top deck of the USS San Diego, NASA and U.S. Navy personnel gather after the Orion underway recovery test. The Orion boilerplate test vehicle and other hardware were transported about... More

Orion Underway Recovery Test for EFT-1

Orion Underway Recovery Test for EFT-1

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – U.S. Navy personnel push a rigid hull inflatable boat from the well deck of the USS San Diego to conduct an Orion underway recovery test at sea with the Orion boilerplate test vehicle and ot... More

Orion Underway Recovery Test for EFT-1

Orion Underway Recovery Test for EFT-1

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The U.S. Navy uses two rigid hull inflatable boats to practice Orion underway recovery test procedures near the USS San Diego, in the Pacific Ocean near the coast of San Diego. The Orion boi... More

Delta Mariner arrival with EFT-1 Booster

Delta Mariner arrival with EFT-1 Booster

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The United Launch Alliance barge Delta Mariner glides past the jetties as it enters Port Canaveral in Florida. The barge is carrying two of the booster stages for the Delta IV Heavy rocke... More

Orion EFT-1 Press Briefing. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

Orion EFT-1 Press Briefing. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space ce...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – During a media event inside the Horizontal Integration Facility at Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, NASA Associate Administrator Robert Lightfoot speaks t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge arrives at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, carrying the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, mission with the Orion spacecraft. They will be offloaded in their containers and transported to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.    At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2416

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge arrives at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge arrives at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, carrying the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Al... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A transporter for oversize loads carries the port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, into the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The port booster joins the other two boosters of the Delta IV Heavy already in the HIF. The upper stage and spacecraft adapter arrived with the booster on a barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral, and were transported to the HIF on May 6.    At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2558

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A transporter for oversize loads carries the p...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A transporter for oversize loads carries the port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, into the Horizontal Integration Facility,... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the upper stage for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, is being removed from its transportation container. The upper stage, along with the port booster and spacecraft adapter arrived by barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida and were transported to the HIF.    At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2563

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Horizontal Integration Facility, or...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the upper stage for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Hea... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Fans sign the banner draped around NASA's Orion boilerplate test vehicle on display at the San Diego Padres Petco Field in San Diego, California, before the start of the baseball game. The test vehicle is being prepared for an Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, pre-transportation test. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program will run the test at the U.S. Naval Base San Diego to simulate retrieval and transportation procedures for Orion after it splashes down in the ocean and is retrieved for return to land and ground transportation back to Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    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 later this year 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 KSC-2014-2499

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Fans sign the banner draped around NASA's Orion...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Fans sign the banner draped around NASA's Orion boilerplate test vehicle on display at the San Diego Padres Petco Field in San Diego, California, before the start of the baseball game. Th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Fans check out NASA's Orion boilerplate test vehicle on display at Petco Park in San Diego, California, before the start of a San Diego Padres' baseball game. The boilerplate test vehicle is being prepared for an Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, pre-transportation test. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program will run the test at the U.S. Naval Base San Diego to simulate retrieval and transportation procedures for Orion after it splashes down in the ocean and is retrieved for return to land and ground transportation back to Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    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 later this year 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 KSC-2014-2503

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Fans check out NASA's Orion boilerplate test ve...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Fans check out NASA's Orion boilerplate test vehicle on display at Petco Park in San Diego, California, before the start of a San Diego Padres' baseball game. The boilerplate test vehicle... More

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Workers prepare to move the Orion boilerplate test vehicle into a protective structure at the Mole Pier at the Naval Base San Diego in California for a simulated fit check of the hatch cover. The test vehicle is attached to the crew module recovery cradle. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program, Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Navy are evaluating the hardware and processes for preparing the Orion crew module for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, for overland transport from the naval base to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.     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 later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2579

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Workers prepare to move the Orion boilerplate test...

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Workers prepare to move the Orion boilerplate test vehicle into a protective structure at the Mole Pier at the Naval Base San Diego in California for a simulated fit check of the hatch cover... More

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Orion boilerplate test vehicle has been moved to a warehouse at Naval Base San Diego in California from the Mole Pier at the naval base. The test vehicle is attached to the crew module recovery cradle. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program, Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Navy are evaluating the hardware and processes for preparing the Orion crew module for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, for overland transport from the naval base to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    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 later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2596

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Orion boilerplate test vehicle has been moved ...

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Orion boilerplate test vehicle has been moved to a warehouse at Naval Base San Diego in California from the Mole Pier at the naval base. The test vehicle is attached to the crew module r... More

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Orion boilerplate test vehicle is being moved from the Mole Pier at Naval Base San Diego in California to a warehouse at the naval base. The test vehicle is attached to the crew module recovery cradle. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program, Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Navy are evaluating the hardware and processes for preparing the Orion crew module for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, for overland transport from the naval base to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    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 later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2594

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Orion boilerplate test vehicle is being moved ...

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Orion boilerplate test vehicle is being moved from the Mole Pier at Naval Base San Diego in California to a warehouse at the naval base. The test vehicle is attached to the crew module r... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Orion crew module has been stacked on the service module in the Final Assembly and System Testing cell. NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden spoke to the media during an event to mark the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1. The flight test will provide engineers with data about the heat shield's ability to protect Orion and its future crews from the 4,000-degree heat of reentry and an ocean splashdown following the spacecraft’s 20,000-mph reentry from space. Data gathered during the flight will inform decisions about design improvements on the heat shield and other Orion systems, and authenticate existing computer models and new approaches to space systems design and development. This process is critical to reducing overall risks and costs of future Orion missions.    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 later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2967

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building hig...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Orion crew module has been stacked on the service module in the Final Assembly and Syst... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, arrives at the Horizontal Integration Facility near Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida and has been lifted by crane from its transporter. The swing arm is the uppermost of three swing arms that will be attached to the fixed umbilical tower on the launch pad.    The swing arm will carry umbilicals that will be mated to Orion's launch abort system and environmental control system. During launch, the umbilicals will pull away from Orion and the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket at T-0. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years.  The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on its first flight test is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-3569

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, arrives at the Horizontal Integration Facility near Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida... More

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Visitors tour the well deck of the USS Anchorage during the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, or STEM, Expo for L.A. Navy Days at the Port of Los Angeles in California. At far right is NASA astronaut Nicole Stott. NASA, Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Navy completed Underway Recovery Test 2 on the Orion boilerplate test vehicle 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 allowed the teams to demonstrate and evaluate the recovery processes, procedures, new hardware and personnel in open waters.    The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program conducted 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 on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, 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: Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-3387

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Visitors tour the well deck of the USS Anchorage...

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Visitors tour the well deck of the USS Anchorage during the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, or STEM, Expo for L.A. Navy Days at the Port of Los Angeles in California. At ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A crane brings the umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, closer for installation on the fixed umbilical tower at Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The swing arm is the uppermost of three swing arms that will be attached to the fixed umbilical tower.    The swing arm will carry umbilicals that will be mated to Orion's launch abort system and environmental control system. During launch, the umbilicals will pull away from Orion and the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket at T-0. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years.  The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on its first flight test is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2014-3593

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A crane brings the umbilical swing arm for Expl...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A crane brings the umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, closer for installation on the fixed umbilical tower at Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force... More

EFT-1 Delta IV Heavy lift to vertical

EFT-1 Delta IV Heavy lift to vertical

The United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket for Exploration Flight Test-1 is being lifted to the vertical position in the mobile service tower on the pad at the pad at Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canav... More

EFT-1 Delta IV Heavy lift to vertical

EFT-1 Delta IV Heavy lift to vertical

This close-up view shows the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket for Exploration Flight Test-1 being raised into the vertical position at the pad at Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force ... More

EFT-1 Delta IV Heavy lift to vertical

EFT-1 Delta IV Heavy lift to vertical

The United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket for Exploration Flight Test-1 is being lifted to the vertical position at the pad at Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The ... More

EFT-1 Crew Module move to KSC Visitor Complex for exhibit displa

EFT-1 Crew Module move to KSC Visitor Complex for exhibit displa

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, the Orion crew module from Exploration Flight Test 1, secured on its custom-made ground support equipment, is moved inside the IMAX Theater. The crew m... More

EFT-1 Crew Module on Display at KSC Visitor Complex

EFT-1 Crew Module on Display at KSC Visitor Complex

A close-up view of the Orion crew module from Exploration Flight Test 1 (EFT-1) on display at nearby NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The crew module is part of the NASA Now exhibit in the ... More

Orion EFT-1 Heat Shield Move from LASF to VAB Highbay 2

Orion EFT-1 Heat Shield Move from LASF to VAB Highbay 2

The Orion heat shield from Exploration Flight Test-1, secured on a transporter, departs the Launch Abort System Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, for its move to the Vehicle Assembly Building ... More

A Marine MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor

A Marine MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor

A Marine MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron 204 lands at a landing zone during a weekend extended flight training at Charleston, West Virginia, Dec. 8, 2019. VMMT-204 conducted a weeke... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Orion Test and Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, engineers monitor data during the first Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, power up test. NASA’s first-ever deep space craft, Orion, was powered on for the first time, marking a major milestone in the final year of preparations for flight. Orion’s avionics system was installed on the crew module and powered up for a series of systems 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, EFT-1, 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 www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2013-3768

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Orion Test and Launch Control Center...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Orion Test and Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, engineers monitor data during the first Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, power up test. NASA... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the heat shield for the agency's Orion spacecraft arrived aboard the Super Guppy aircraft. The largest of its kind ever built, the heat shield is planned for installation on the Orion crew module in March next year. The Orion spacecraft is scheduled to make its first unpiloted flight test, Exploration Flight Test-1 EFT-1, in September 2014.      The Orion spacecraft is designed to meet requirements for traveling beyond low-Earth orbit. The spacecraft will serve as the exploration vehicle that will carry crews to space, sustain the astronauts during the space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/orion Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2013-4236

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the heat shield for the agency's Orion spacecraft arrived aboard the Super Guppy aircraft. The largest of its ki... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A crane lowers the main parachute for installation on the Orion spacecraft inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Technicians dressed in clean room suits will prepare the parachute for installation.     The Orion spacecraft is being prepared for its first unpiloted flight test, Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, scheduled for launch atop a Delta IV rocket in September 2014. The Orion spacecraft is designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. Orion is scheduled to launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket in 2017. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2013-4365

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A crane lowers the main parachute for installa...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A crane lowers the main parachute for installation on the Orion spacecraft inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Technicians dre... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians assist as a crane begins to lift one of the main parachutes for the Orion spacecraft inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The parachute will be prepared for installation on Orion.     The Orion spacecraft is being prepared for its first unpiloted flight test, Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, scheduled for launch atop a Delta IV rocket in September 2014. The Orion spacecraft is designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. Orion is scheduled to launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket in 2017. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2013-4363

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians assist as a crane begins to lift o...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians assist as a crane begins to lift one of the main parachutes for the Orion spacecraft inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Fl... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians use a special handling device to move the second of three fairings closer for installation on the service module for the Orion spacecraft.      The Orion spacecraft is being prepared for its first unpiloted flight test, Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, scheduled for launch atop a Delta IV rocket in September 2014. The Orion spacecraft is designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. Orion is scheduled to launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket in 2017. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2013-4476

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building hig...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians use a special handling device to move the second of three fairings closer for i... More

Orion Underway Recovery Test for EFT-1

Orion Underway Recovery Test for EFT-1

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Using a rigid hull inflatable boat, NASA and the U.S. Navy practice retrieving the Orion forward bay cover from the Pacific Ocean as part of the Orion underway recovery test. The Orion boile... More

Orion Underway Recovery Test for EFT-1

Orion Underway Recovery Test for EFT-1

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The USS San Diego heads out to sea with the Orion boilerplate test vehicle and other hardware in its well deck for an underway recovery test. A crane is used to lower a rigid hull inflatable... More

Orion Underway Recovery Test for EFT-1

Orion Underway Recovery Test for EFT-1

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The skyline of San Diego, California is visible as the USS San Diego departs from the U.S. Naval Base San Diego with the Orion boilerplate test vehicle and other hardware in its well deck fo... More

Orion Underway Recovery Test for EFT-1

Orion Underway Recovery Test for EFT-1

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – On the top deck of the USS San Diego, U.S. Navy personnel monitor a helicopter landing after an Orion underway recovery test. The Orion boilerplate test vehicle and other hardware were secur... More

Orion EFT-1 Press Briefing. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

Orion EFT-1 Press Briefing. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space ce...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – During a media event inside the Horizontal Integration Facility at Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, Tony Taliancich, director of East Coast Launch Operati... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- After arriving by barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, mission with the Orion spacecraft, were offloaded in their containers. They are being transported to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.      At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2426

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- After arriving by barge at the U.S. Army Outpo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- After arriving by barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch All... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, is being offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida and will be transported to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The upper stage and spacecraft adapter arrived with the booster and were transported to the HIF on May 6.    At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2544

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Allianc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, is being offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Fans sign the banner surrounding NASA's Orion boilerplate test vehicle on display at Petco Park in San Diego, California, before the start of a San Diego Padres' baseball game. The boilerplate test vehicle is being prepared for an Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, pre-transportation test. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program will run the test at the U.S. Naval Base San Diego to simulate retrieval and transportation procedures for Orion after it splashes down in the ocean and is retrieved for return to land and ground transportation back to Kennedy Space Center in Florida.     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 later this year 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 KSC-2014-2502

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Fans sign the banner surrounding NASA's Orion b...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Fans sign the banner surrounding NASA's Orion boilerplate test vehicle on display at Petco Park in San Diego, California, before the start of a San Diego Padres' baseball game. The boiler... More

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Workers on scissor lifts build up a protective structure at the Mole Pier at the Naval Base San Diego in California for the Orion boilerplate test vehicle. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program, Lockheed Martin and U.S. Navy are evaluating the hardware and processes for preparing the Orion crew module for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, for overland transport from the naval base to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    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 later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2578

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Workers on scissor lifts build up a protective str...

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Workers on scissor lifts build up a protective structure at the Mole Pier at the Naval Base San Diego in California for the Orion boilerplate test vehicle. The Ground Systems Development and... More

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Orion boilerplate test vehicle has been secured in the crew module recovery cradle at a warehouse at the Naval Base San Diego in California. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program, Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Navy are evaluating the hardware and processes for preparing the Orion crew module for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, for overland transport from the naval base to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    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 later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2576

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Orion boilerplate test vehicle has been secure...

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Orion boilerplate test vehicle has been secured in the crew module recovery cradle at a warehouse at the Naval Base San Diego in California. The Ground Systems Development and Operations... More

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Inside a protective structure at the Mole Pier at the Naval Base San Diego in California, workers prepare for a simulated fit check of the hatch cover on the Orion boilerplate test vehicle. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program, Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Navy are evaluating the hardware and processes for preparing the Orion crew module for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, for overland transport from the naval base to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    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 later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2585

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Inside a protective structure at the Mole Pier at ...

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Inside a protective structure at the Mole Pier at the Naval Base San Diego in California, workers prepare for a simulated fit check of the hatch cover on the Orion boilerplate test vehicle. ... More

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Orion boilerplate test vehicle is being moved into a protective structure at the Mole Pier at the Naval Base San Diego in California for a simulated fit check of the hatch cover. The test vehicle is attached to the crew module recovery cradle. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program, Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Navy are evaluating the hardware and processes for preparing the Orion crew module for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, for overland transport from the naval base to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    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 later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2582

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Orion boilerplate test vehicle is being moved ...

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Orion boilerplate test vehicle is being moved into a protective structure at the Mole Pier at the Naval Base San Diego in California for a simulated fit check of the hatch cover. The tes... More

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Workers simulate moving the Orion boilerplate test vehicle in place to be lifted into the crew module transportation fixture at the Mole Pier at Naval Base San Diego in California to a warehouse at the naval base. The test vehicle is attached to the crew module recovery cradle. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program, Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Navy are evaluating the hardware and processes for preparing the Orion crew module for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, for overland transport from the naval base to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    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 later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2593

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Workers simulate moving the Orion boilerplate test...

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Workers simulate moving the Orion boilerplate test vehicle in place to be lifted into the crew module transportation fixture at the Mole Pier at Naval Base San Diego in California to a wareh... More

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Workers prepare the lid for the crew module transportation fixture for the Orion boilerplate test vehicle at the Mole Pier at Naval Base San Diego in California. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program, Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Navy are evaluating the hardware and processes for preparing the Orion crew module for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, for overland transport from the naval base to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    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 later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2598

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Workers prepare the lid for the crew module transp...

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Workers prepare the lid for the crew module transportation fixture for the Orion boilerplate test vehicle at the Mole Pier at Naval Base San Diego in California. The Ground Systems Developme... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA and Lockheed Martin technicians and engineers conduct a center of gravity, or CG, test on the Orion crew module. The CG tool will measure the exact location of the vehicle's center of gravity. This test is important as it affects the handling and control characteristics of the vehicle. The Orion crew module will be stacked on the service module in the Final Assembly and System Testing, or FAST, cell and then both modules will be put through their final system tests for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, before rolling out of the facility for integration with the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket.      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, EFT-1, is scheduled to launch later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2014-2865

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Operations and Checkout Building hi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA and Lockheed Martin technicians and engineers conduct a center of gravity, or CG, tes... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Orion service module has been secured in the Final Assembly and System Testing, or FAST, cell. The Orion crew module will be stacked on the service module in the FAST cell and then both modules will be put through their final system tests for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, before rolling out of the facility for integration with the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket.      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, EFT-1, is scheduled to launch later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2014-2866

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Operations and Checkout Building hi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Orion service module has been secured in the Final Assembly and System Testing, or FAS... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana helps mark the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. To his right is Rachel Kraft, NASA Public Affairs Officer, and standing behind him is Cleon Lacefield, Lockheed Martin Orion Program manager. The crew module has been stacked on the service module in the Final Assembly and System Testing cell. EFT-1 will provide engineers with data about the heat shield's ability to protect Orion and its future crews from the 4,000-degree heat of reentry and an ocean splashdown following the spacecraft’s 20,000-mph reentry from space. Data gathered during the flight will inform decisions about design improvements on the heat shield and other Orion systems, and authenticate existing computer models and new approaches to space systems design and development. This process is critical to reducing overall risks and costs of future Orion missions.    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 later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2958

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana helps ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana helps mark the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, inside the Operations and Checkout Building ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronauts Rex Walheim, left, and Doug Hurley helped mark the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, during a visit to the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Behind them the Orion crew module has been stacked on top of the service module in the Final Assembly and System Test cell. EFT-1 will provide engineers with data about the heat shield's ability to protect Orion and its future crews from the 4,000-degree heat of reentry and an ocean splashdown following the spacecraft’s 20,000-mph reentry from space. Data gathered during the flight will inform decisions about design improvements on the heat shield and other Orion systems, and authenticate existing computer models and new approaches to space systems design and development. This process is critical to reducing overall risks and costs of future Orion missions.    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 later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2971

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronauts Rex Walheim, left, and Doug Hur...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronauts Rex Walheim, left, and Doug Hurley helped mark the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, during a visit to the Operations ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Orion crew module has been stacked on the service module in the Final Assembly and System Testing cell in preparation for final system tests for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, prior to rolling out of the facility for integration with the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket. EFT-1 will provide engineers with data about the heat shield's ability to protect Orion and its future crews from the 4,000-degree heat of reentry and an ocean splashdown following the spacecraft’s 20,000-mph reentry from space. Data gathered during the flight will inform decisions about design improvements on the heat shield and other Orion systems, and authenticate existing computer models and new approaches to space systems design and development. This process is critical to reducing overall risks and costs of future Orion missions.    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 later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2960

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building hig...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Orion crew module has been stacked on the service module in the Final Assembly and Syst... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Part of the umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, arrives at the Horizontal Integration Facility near Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida and has been lifted by crane from its transporter. The swing arm is the uppermost of three swing arms that will be attached to the fixed umbilical tower on the launch pad.    The swing arm will carry umbilicals that will be mated to Orion's launch abort system and environmental control system. During launch, the umbilicals will pull away from Orion and the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket at T-0. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years.  The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on its first flight test is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-3573

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Part of the umbilical swing arm for Exploration...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Part of the umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, arrives at the Horizontal Integration Facility near Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Part of the umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, arrives at the Horizontal Integration Facility near Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida and is being lifted by crane from its transporter. The swing arm is the uppermost of three swing arms that will be attached to the fixed umbilical tower on the launch pad.    The swing arm will carry umbilicals that will be mated to Orion's launch abort system and environmental control system. During launch, the umbilicals will pull away from Orion and the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket at T-0. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years.  The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on its first flight test is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-3571

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Part of the umbilical swing arm for Exploration...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Part of the umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, arrives at the Horizontal Integration Facility near Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians prepare a back shell tile panel for installation on the Orion crew module. Preparations are underway for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1.     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 later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2014-3485

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building hig...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians prepare a back shell tile panel for installation on the Orion crew module. Prep... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians dressed in clean-room suits install a back shell tile panel onto the Orion crew module. Preparations are underway for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1.    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 later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2014-3490

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building hig...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians dressed in clean-room suits install a back shell tile panel onto the Orion crew... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians dressed in clean-room suits have installed a back shell tile panel onto the Orion crew module and are checking the fit next to the middle back shell tile panel. Preparations are underway for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1.    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 later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2014-3492

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building hig...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians dressed in clean-room suits have installed a back shell tile panel onto the Ori... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A crane brings the umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, closer for installation on the fixed umbilical tower at Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The swing arm is the uppermost of three swing arms that will be attached to the fixed umbilical tower.    The swing arm will carry umbilicals that will be mated to Orion's launch abort system and environmental control system. During launch, the umbilicals will pull away from Orion and the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket at T-0. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years.  The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on its first flight test is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2014-3594

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A crane brings the umbilical swing arm for Expl...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A crane brings the umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, closer for installation on the fixed umbilical tower at Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A crane brings the umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, closer for installation on the fixed umbilical tower at Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The swing arm is the uppermost of three swing arms that will be attached to the fixed umbilical tower.    The swing arm will carry umbilicals that will be mated to Orion's launch abort system and environmental control system. During launch, the umbilicals will pull away from Orion and the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket at T-0. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years.  The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on its first flight test is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2014-3589

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A crane brings the umbilical swing arm for Expl...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A crane brings the umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, closer for installation on the fixed umbilical tower at Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, is lifted by crane for installation on the fixed umbilical tower at Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The swing arm is the uppermost of three swing arms that will be attached to the fixed umbilical tower.    The swing arm will carry umbilicals that will be mated to Orion's launch abort system and environmental control system. During launch, the umbilicals will pull away from Orion and the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket at T-0. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years.  The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on its first flight test is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2014-3586

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, is lifted by crane for installation on the fixed umbilical tower at Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force St... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A crane brings the umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, closer for installation on the fixed umbilical tower at Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The swing arm is the uppermost of three swing arms that will be attached to the fixed umbilical tower.    The swing arm will carry umbilicals that will be mated to Orion's launch abort system and environmental control system. During launch, the umbilicals will pull away from Orion and the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket at T-0. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years.  The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on its first flight test is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2014-3591

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A crane brings the umbilical swing arm for Expl...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A crane brings the umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, closer for installation on the fixed umbilical tower at Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force... More

Orion EFT-1 Launch from NASA Causeway

Orion EFT-1 Launch from NASA Causeway

A Delta IV Heavy rocket lifts off from Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida carrying NASA's Orion spacecraft on an unpiloted flight test to Earth orbit. Liftoff was at 7:05 a.m... More

EFT-1 Crew Module on Display at KSC Visitor Complex

EFT-1 Crew Module on Display at KSC Visitor Complex

The Orion crew module from Exploration Flight Test 1 (EFT-1) is on display at nearby NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The crew module is part of the NASA Now exhibit in the IMAX Theater. Th... More

Orion EFT-1 Heat Shield Move from LASF to VAB Highbay 2

Orion EFT-1 Heat Shield Move from LASF to VAB Highbay 2

Inside the Launch Abort System Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lowers the Orion heat shield from Exploration Flight Test-1 onto a transporter for its move to the Vehicle Assembly Bui... More

Orion EFT-1 Heat Shield Offload from Truck onto Foam Pads (Dunna

Orion EFT-1 Heat Shield Offload from Truck onto Foam Pads (Dunna

Inside High Bay 2 in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane is attached to the Orion heat shield from Exploration Flight Test-1 for unloading off its transporter.... More

Orion EFT-1 Heat Shield Offload from Truck onto Foam Pads (Dunna

Orion EFT-1 Heat Shield Offload from Truck onto Foam Pads (Dunna

Inside High Bay 2 in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers help prepare the Orion heat shield from Exploration Flight Test-1 for unloading off its transporter. T... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the heat shield for the agency's Orion spacecraft arrived aboard the Super Guppy aircraft. The largest of its kind ever built, the heat shield is planned for installation on the Orion crew module in March next year. The Orion spacecraft is scheduled to make its first unpiloted flight test, Exploration Flight Test-1 EFT-1, in September 2014.      The Orion spacecraft is designed to meet requirements for traveling beyond low-Earth orbit. The spacecraft will serve as the exploration vehicle that will carry crews to space, sustain the astronauts during the space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/orion Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2013-4238

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the heat shield for the agency's Orion spacecraft arrived aboard the Super Guppy aircraft. The largest of its ki... More

Red eft, a land-dwelling form of the red spotted newt or notophthalmus iridescens (subspecies)

Red eft, a land-dwelling form of the red spotted newt or notophthalmus...

Event: Molly mooching on Lillybrook Mountain. Public domain photograph - historical image of West Virginia, United States, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The heat shield tiles that will be installed to the backshell of the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle's Exploration Flight Test EFT-1 capsule are manufactured inside the Thermal Protection System Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The insulation includes thermal barriers that are used around hatches, thrusters and other open areas of the backshell to protect the joints from heat. EFT-1 will be used during Orion's first test flight in space. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: Frankie Martin KSC-2012-1596

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The heat shield tiles that will be installed t...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The heat shield tiles that will be installed to the backshell of the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle's Exploration Flight Test EFT-1 capsule are manufactured inside the Thermal Protecti... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Chris Keeling, a United Space Alliance technician at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, manufactures the heat shield tiles that will be installed to the backshell of the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle's Exploration Flight Test EFT-1 capsule. The work to manufacture and inspect the tiles is taking place in Kennedy's Thermal Protection System Facility. EFT-1 will be used during Orion's first test flight in space. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: Frankie Martin KSC-2012-1581

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Chris Keeling, a United Space Alliance technic...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Chris Keeling, a United Space Alliance technician at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, manufactures the heat shield tiles that will be installed to the backshell of the Orion Multi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Tim Wright, a United Space Alliance engineering manager at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, removes the heat shield tiles that will be installed to the backshell of the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle's Exploration Flight Test EFT-1 capsule from a Keith thermal automation oven. Inside, the tiles were baked at 2,200 degrees F to cure their ceramic coating. The work to manufacture and inspect the tiles is taking place in Kennedy's Thermal Protection System Facility. EFT-1 will be used during Orion's first test flight in space. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: Frankie Martin KSC-2012-1586

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Tim Wright, a United Space Alliance engineerin...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Tim Wright, a United Space Alliance engineering manager at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, removes the heat shield tiles that will be installed to the backshell of the Orion Mult... More

Orion EFT-1 Crew Module Uncrating 2012-3570

Orion EFT-1 Crew Module Uncrating 2012-3570

Orion EFT-1 Crew Module Uncrating

Orion EFT-1 Crew Module Being Uncrated 2012-3600

Orion EFT-1 Crew Module Being Uncrated 2012-3600

Orion EFT-1 Crew Module Being Uncrated Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft development, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the service module for the Orion spacecraft is secured to a work stand. Technicians are preparing the three fairings for installation around the service module.      The Orion spacecraft is being prepared for its first unpiloted flight test, Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, scheduled for launch atop a Delta IV rocket in September 2014. The Orion spacecraft is designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. Orion is scheduled to launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket in 2017. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper KSC-2013-4526

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building hig...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the service module for the Orion spacecraft is secured to a work stand. Technicians are pre... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the heat shield for the agency's Orion spacecraft arrived aboard the Super Guppy aircraft. The largest of its kind ever built, the heat shield is planned for installation on the Orion crew module in March next year. The Orion spacecraft is scheduled to make its first unpiloted flight test, Exploration Flight Test-1 EFT-1, in September 2014.      The Orion spacecraft is designed to meet requirements for traveling beyond low-Earth orbit. The spacecraft will serve as the exploration vehicle that will carry crews to space, sustain the astronauts during the space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/orion Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2013-4237

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the heat shield for the agency's Orion spacecraft arrived aboard the Super Guppy aircraft. The largest of its ki... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the heat shield for the agency's Orion spacecraft arrived aboard the Super Guppy aircraft. The largest of its kind ever built, the heat shield is planned for installation on the Orion crew module in March next year. The Orion spacecraft is scheduled to make its first unpiloted flight test, Exploration Flight Test-1 EFT-1, in September 2014.      The Orion spacecraft is designed to meet requirements for traveling beyond low-Earth orbit. The spacecraft will serve as the exploration vehicle that will carry crews to space, sustain the astronauts during the space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/orion Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2013-4235

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the heat shield for the agency's Orion spacecraft arrived aboard the Super Guppy aircraft. The largest of its ki... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the heat shield for the agency's Orion spacecraft is being offloaded from the Super Guppy aircraft. The largest of its kind ever built, the heat shield is planned for installation on the Orion crew module in March of next year. The Orion spacecraft is scheduled to make its first unpiloted flight test, Exploration Flight Test-1 EFT-1, in September 2014.    The Orion spacecraft is designed to meet requirements for traveling beyond low-Earth orbit. The spacecraft will serve as the exploration vehicle that will carry crews to space, sustain the astronauts during the space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/orion Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nasher KSC-2013-4246

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the heat shield for the agency's Orion spacecraft is being offloaded from the Super Guppy aircraft. The largest ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane is used to lift the cover off of a shipping container that carries one of three main parachutes for the Orion spacecraft. The parachute will be prepared for installation on Orion.     The Orion spacecraft is being prepared for its first unpiloted flight test, Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, scheduled for launch atop a Delta IV rocket in September 2014. The Orion spacecraft is designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. Orion is scheduled to launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket in 2017. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2013-4359

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Operations and Checkout Building hi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane is used to lift the cover off of a shipping container that carries one of three ma... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians prepare the main parachute for the Orion spacecraft for lifting by crane. The parachute will be prepared for installation on Orion.     The Orion spacecraft is being prepared for its first unpiloted flight test, Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, scheduled for launch atop a Delta IV rocket in September 2014. The Orion spacecraft is designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. Orion is scheduled to launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket in 2017. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2013-4362

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Operations and Checkout Building hi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians prepare the main parachute for the Orion spacecraft for lifting by crane. The ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane is used to lift the shipping container off of one of the three main parachutes for the Orion spacecraft. The parachute will be prepared for installation on Orion.     The Orion spacecraft is being prepared for its first unpiloted flight test, Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, scheduled for launch atop a Delta IV rocket in September 2014. The Orion spacecraft is designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. Orion is scheduled to launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket in 2017. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2013-4360

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Operations and Checkout Building hi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane is used to lift the shipping container off of one of the three main parachutes for... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians prepare the first of three fairings for installation on the service module for the Orion spacecraft.      The Orion spacecraft is being prepared for its first unpiloted flight test, Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, scheduled for launch atop a Delta IV rocket in September 2014. The Orion spacecraft is designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. Orion is scheduled to launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket in 2017. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper KSC-2013-4466

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building hig...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians prepare the first of three fairings for installation on the service module for ... More

Orion URT EFT-1 load capsule onto ship

Orion URT EFT-1 load capsule onto ship

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Orion boilerplate test vehicle arrived at the U.S. Naval Base San Diego in California, and was loaded aboard the USS San Diego. Orion was transported in the ship’s well deck about 100 mi... More

Orion URT EFT-1 load capsule onto ship

Orion URT EFT-1 load capsule onto ship

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Orion boilerplate test vehicle arrived at the U.S. Naval Base San Diego in California, and is loaded aboard the USS San Diego. Orion was transported in the ship’s well deck about 100 mil... More

Orion Underway Recovery Test for EFT-1

Orion Underway Recovery Test for EFT-1

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – At the U.S. Naval Base San Diego in California, the USS San Diego heads out to sea with the Orion boilerplate test vehicle and other hardware in its well deck for an underway recovery test. ... More

Orion Underway Recovery Test for EFT-1

Orion Underway Recovery Test for EFT-1

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – On the top deck of the USS San Diego, U.S. Navy personnel monitor a helicopter landing after an Orion underway recovery test. The Orion boilerplate test vehicle and other hardware were trans... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, mission with the Orion spacecraft, have been transported in their containers to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Inside the facility, technicians uncrate the upper stage. The segments arrived by barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral.    At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2432

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The second stage, port booster and spacecraft ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge arrives at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, carrying the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, mission with the Orion spacecraft. They will be offloaded in their containers and transported to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.    At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2414

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge arrives at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge arrives at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, carrying the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Al... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge has arrived at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, carrying the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, mission with the Orion spacecraft. They are being offloaded in their containers for transport to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.    At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2417

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge has arrived at the U.S. Army Outpost w...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge has arrived at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, carrying the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launc... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, is being offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida and will be transported to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The upper stage and spacecraft adapter arrived with the booster and were transported to the HIF on May 6.    At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2539

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Allianc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, is being offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral... More

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – U.S. Navy and Jacobs/TOSC workers help detach the Orion boilerplate test vehicle from the BTA handling fixture as a crane begins to lift it away at a warehouse at the Naval Base San Diego in California. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program, Lockheed Martin and U.S. Navy are evaluating the hardware and processes for preparing the Orion crew module for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, for overland transport from the naval base to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    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 later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2572

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – U.S. Navy and Jacobs/TOSC workers help detach the ...

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – U.S. Navy and Jacobs/TOSC workers help detach the Orion boilerplate test vehicle from the BTA handling fixture as a crane begins to lift it away at a warehouse at the Naval Base San Diego in... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media listen as NASA Orion Program Manager Mark Geyer marks the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, in the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. To his right is Kennedy Director Bob Cabana. Partially hidden behind him is NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden. To his left is Cleon Lacefield, Lockheed Martin Orion Program manager, and Rachel Kraft, NASA Public Affairs Officer.  Behind them is the crew module stacked on the service module in the Final Assembly and System Testing cell. EFT-1 will provide engineers with data about the heat shield's ability to protect Orion and its future crews from the 4,000-degree heat of reentry and an ocean splashdown following the spacecraft’s 20,000-mph reentry from space. Data gathered during the flight will inform decisions about design improvements on the heat shield and other Orion systems, and authenticate existing computer models and new approaches to space systems design and development. This process is critical to reducing overall risks and costs of future Orion missions.    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 later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2964

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media listen as NASA Orion Progr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media listen as NASA Orion Program Manager Mark Geyer marks the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, in the Operations and... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Delta Operations Center near Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the second stage for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, is being lifted by crane in its cradle for the move to a test cell.    At the Horizontal Integration Facility, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2014-3157

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Delta Operations Center near Space L...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Delta Operations Center near Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the second stage for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Explorat... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a technician dressed in a clean-room suit prepares to install a back shell tile panel onto the Orion crew module. Preparations are underway for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1.    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 later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2014-3488

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building hig...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a technician dressed in a clean-room suit prepares to install a back shell tile panel onto ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In this view from above at Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, is being prepared to be lifted by crane and attached to the fixed umbilical tower on the launch pad. The swing arm is the uppermost of three swing arms that will be attached to the fixed umbilical tower.       The swing arm will carry umbilicals that will be mated to Orion's launch abort system and environmental control system. During launch, the umbilicals will pull away from Orion and the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket at T-0. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years.  The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on its first flight test is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2014-3584

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In this view from above at Space Launch Complex...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In this view from above at Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, is being prepared to be... More

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