Orion and Space Launch System

Orion Testing at Plum:  Orion service module passes major shake test at NASA’s Plum Brook Station  The European Space Agency’s service module contribution to NASA’s Orion capsule has been undergoing ground testing at NASA’s Glenn Research Center Plum Brook Station since spring. This testing was the first to replicate the acoustic launch environment and vibrations of the lift off. Orion and ESA service module flight hardware will come together at Glenn late next year for more testing ahead of Exploration Mission-1, a late 2018 uncrewed test flight of the Space Launch System, Orion and the service module.

Orion Update/September: http://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/orion_monthly_newsletter_9-2016.pdf

SLS Update/September: http://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/sls_highlights_sept_2016_web.pdf

SLS/Orion Testing:  NASA completes `summer of testing’ for SLS and Orion  A summer of testing for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion crew capsule is coming to a productive close. Components undergoing tests included the SLS solid rocket motors and main engines, as well as Orion’s parachute systems.

SLS EM-1 Hardware:  NASA’s First SLS Mars Rocket Fuel Tank Completes Welding  The enormous Space Launch System liquid hydrogen propellant tank was fabricated at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility. It will join the rocket components assigned to the first test launch of the SLS with an uncrewed Orion spacecraft in late 2018.

SLS EM-2 Payloads:  NASA seeks payload concepts for second SLS flight  NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Directorate is seeking proposals for secondary payloads to launch aboard Exploration Mission-2, the first crewed test flight of the Space Launch System and Orion exploration rocket and spacecraft. The opportunity is open to NASA centers, industry, academia and NASA’s international partners. The proposed payloads must further U.S. deep space exploration goals. EM-2 is being prepared to launch as soon as August 2021.

Citizens for Space Exploration – a pro-space, taxpayer, grassroots advocacy group (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.