NASA's Orion Spacecraft Prepares for Testing in Ohio
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Introduction to NASA's Orion Spacecraft
NASA's objectives for human space exploration have reached unprecedented heights in recent years. With two commercial crew vehicles in the works, NASA is also developing a next-generation launch system known as the Space Launch System (SLS), designed to transport astronauts from Earth to the Moon and beyond. Recently, the SLS facilitated the transport of the Orion crew vehicle to Ohio for crucial testing before its journey into space.
The Orion spacecraft draws inspiration from the historic Apollo command module but boasts a fully reusable design. After its return to Earth via parachute, the Orion can be refurbished for subsequent missions. However, the service module, managed by the European Space Agency, does not return home after each mission.
The first significant test flight for Orion is set to be Artemis 1, scheduled for launch next year. Although this will be an uncrewed mission, NASA must ensure that the spacecraft can endure the extreme conditions of space. This necessity is what brought Orion to Ohio, specifically to NASA’s Plum Brook Station, which houses the largest vacuum chamber in the world.
Description of Orion's Specifications
The Orion spacecraft measures 16 feet in width (approximately 5 meters) and stands 10 feet tall (about 3.3 meters), weighing around 20,000 pounds (9,300 kilograms). Transporting such a large vehicle isn’t as simple as shipping it through standard delivery services. NASA utilizes a specialized aircraft known as the Super Guppy for this purpose. This aircraft, which has been in service since 1965, was initially designed to transport components of the Saturn V rockets during the Apollo era. Today, it continues to serve NASA by transporting oversized equipment like the Orion spacecraft. The Super Guppy can reach a cruising speed of 300 mph (480 kph) and carries a payload of up to 54,000 pounds (24,000 kg).
Vacuum Testing at Plum Brook Station
The Plum Brook vacuum chamber can transition from standard atmospheric pressure to a "hard vacuum" akin to that of space within just eight hours. Additionally, it has the capability to cool the chamber's contents to -300 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows NASA to simulate space-like conditions for the Orion capsule for up to 60 days. Following this period, NASA will dedicate two weeks to thoroughly test every system on the spacecraft to confirm its resilience against electromagnetic interference.
Looking Ahead: Future Missions
If all goes according to plan during the uncrewed flight in 2020, NASA will proceed with its plans for human space exploration utilizing the Orion spacecraft. The Artemis 2 mission, expected to occur in 2022 or 2023, will include a flyby of the Moon, while Artemis 3, slated for 2024, aims to achieve the first docking with the Lunar Gateway station, assuming it is operational by that time.