Orion and Space Launch System
Human Space Exploration Update (August 14-30, 2017)
Orion “Power Up”: NASA powers up spacecraft that could one day carry humans to Mars Orion, the human spacecraft that Lockheed Martin is developing for future NASA missions of human deep space exploration, was powered up in its latest configuration on Tuesday at the Kennedy Space Center. The capsule is undergoing preparations for Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1), an unmanned test flight that will send the capsule around the moon and back to Earth for re-entry, ocean splashdown and recovery. NASA is evaluating a launch date for EM-1, which will pair Orion with the Space Launch System rocket. (See also: Local company creates parts for NASA’s Orion spacecraft launch)
SLS Hardware: Marshall Space Flight Center unveils largest SLS hardware NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center displayed its largest piece of hardware assembled for the Space Launch System exploration rocket. The Launch Stage Vehicle Adapter separates core and second stages of the rocket designed to start human explorers on future missions of deep space exploration.
Orion and SLS Monthly Updates: https://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/mpcv/orion_reports_archive.html andhttp://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/sls_highlights.html (See also: http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/gsdo_newsletters.html)
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.