NASA Constellation Program

The NASA Constellation Program is a space exploration program, aimed at taking the steps needed for putting humans back on the moon and the further expansion of space exploration. The program launched the creation of the module simulator named Orion, which will be the space vehicle for Constellation missions.

Fast Facts

1. Full program launch not expected to be ready until at least 2015
2. Orion is part of the NASA Constellation Program
3. Tests known as Pad Abort-1 or PA-1
4. Test launch occurred in September 2008
5. Length of flight: 90-seconds

Orion

The Orion has the capacity to hold up to four astronauts and take them to lunar orbit and then return them safely back to Earth after reaching the moon. The cone-shaped capsule itself is five meters wide and has the capacity to transport six astronauts to the International Space Station.

On March 27, 2008 the crew of the Orion Module Simulator loaded the vehicle for transport to NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center out of Edwards, California.

NASA plans to launch three abort tests for the Orion space vehicle and its rockets between 2009 and 2001. Tests will be to check the safety and reliability of the Orion's astronaut escape route, simulating the effects of a potential emergency.

Categories