Orion and Space Launch System

Orion Highlights 2016 and Nov 2016: https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/2016_orion_overview_full.pdf andhttps://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/orion_monthly_newsletter_11-2016.pdf

Orion Service Module:  Orion service module engine shipped to Europe  The NASA-furnished rocket engine that will fit onto the Orion capsule slated for a crucial late 2018 unpiloted test launch of the Space Launch System explorationrocket has been shipped to Europe. There it will be mated to Orion’s European furnished service module. The European service module provides power and propulsion for Orion. The rocket engine shipped to Europe has flown aboard multiple NASA space shuttle missions as part of the Orbital Maneuvering System. During Exploration Mission-1, planned for November 2018, the engine will provide propulsion for lunar orbit insertion and trans Earth injection. Orion is to loop around the moon and return to Earth for splashdown and recovery.  (See also: Orion Program November Update:

SLS Highlights Nov 2016:  https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/sls_highlights_nov_2016_web.pdf

SLS Assembly:  Boeing and NASA prepare for the assembly of the first SLS rocket  Working with NASA at the Michoud Assembly Facility, prime contractor Boeing is bringing together the five major elements of the Space Launch System core, or first stage. The large rocket, cornerstone of plans to launch humans on missions of deep spaceexploration, is being prepared for its first unpiloted test flight in late 2018.

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.