Future Space Flight: Orion Testing

We are making steady and tangible progress in building the next-generation, deep space crew capsule and heavy-lift rocket that will support human exploration missions to new destinations; enhancing use of the International Space Station to improve life on Earth and help make the next great leaps in scientific discovery and exploration; and partnering with American companies to create new transportation capabilities to reach low-Earth orbit, stimulate the economy and decrease our reliance on foreign launch providers.

Pictured here: Engineers at NASA Langley conducted the third drop test of the Orion test article as part of Phase 1 water impact testing on Nov. 8. The capsule was hoisted about 20 feet above the ground with a pitch of 17 degrees. It reached a horizontal velocity of about 22 mph before splashing into the Hydro Impact Basin. Test conditions represented stable seas.

A crowd of more than 100, including NASA Center Directors, Orion Program Managers and engineers, NASA Langley employees, support contractors, NASA Tweetup participants and media watched.

Image Credit: NASA/Sean Smith