Orion and Space Launch System

Orion Rocket Motor Test:  The abort rocket motor for NASA’s Orion spacecraft just aced a big test  Orbital ATK announced that the company’s contribution to the Abort System rocket for NASA’s Orion crew exploration capsule performed successfully during a recent ground test. If there were an emergency during liftoff, the rocket would help steer Orion and its astronaut crew safely away from the Space Launch System to landing.

SLS Wind Tunnel TestingNASA Langley runs more wind tunnel tests on Space Launch System rocket models  NASA Langley Research Center engineers have subjected a scale model of the Space Launch System rocket to various launch pad wind conditions like those expected at the exploration rocket’s Kennedy Space Center launch complex in Florida.

NASA Michoud Supports Orion and SLS:  Guest column: Louisiana helping NASA launch into deep space  Todd May, director of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, explains the role of the Michoud Assembly Facility in the space agency’s efforts to return to deep space with human explorers. At Michoud, nearly 3,500 workers are involved in the production of the Space Launch System’s first stage rocket and the pressure vessel for the Orion crew exploration capsule.


Citizens for Space Exploration – a pro-space, taxpayer, grassroots advocacy group Citizens Space Explorateion_logo(http://www.bayareahouston.com/content/c_s_e/c_s_e) – has traveled to Washington, D.C. the past 24 years to meet face-to-face with Members/staff of Congress to discuss the value of America’s investment in space exploration. In order to sustain that dialogue on a regular basis, Citizens distributes “Space Exploration Update” to Congressional offices on a weekly basis. The intent is to provide an easy, quick way to stay abreast of key human space exploration program and policy developments.