About Orion
Orion is the spacecraft carrying and sustaining the crew on Artemis missions to the Moon and returning them safely to Earth. Orion launches on NASA’s heavy-lift rocket, the SLS (Space Launch System).
number of crew
4
Mission duration
Up to 21 days
full stack height
67 ft
gross liftoff mass
78,000 lbs
Crew Module
The crew module is the pressurized part of the Orion spacecraft, sometimes referred to as the capsule, where crew lives and works on their journey to the Moon and back. The crew module can accommodate four crew members for up to 21 days, and provides a safe habitat through launch, on-orbit operations, landing, and recovery.
Service Module
Orion’s European Service Module is the powerhouse that fuels and propels the Orion spacecraft in space. Located below the crew module, it provides critical functions including propulsion, thermal control, and electrical power generated by solar arrays. The service module can also provide life support systems including water, oxygen, and nitrogen for the crew. In addition to its function as the main propulsion system for Orion, it is responsible for orbital maneuvering and position control.
Launch Abort System
The launch abort system can carry the crew to safety in the event of an emergency during launch or ascent atop the agency’s SLS rocket. It can activate within milliseconds to pull the vehicle to safety and position the crew module for a safe landing.
Orion by the Numbers
Taking humans farther than they've ever been.
Get the stats on NASA’s newest spacecraft.
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Orion Reference Guide
A detailed overview of the design, development, testing, and engineering of NASA's Orion spacecraft.
Learn More About Orion about Orion Reference Guide
