Orion and Space Launch System
Heat Shield Installation on Orion: Installation of heat-shielding tiles marks new phase for Orion spacecraft
The NASA/Lockheed Martin Orion crew capsule designated for a late 2018 test flight, Exploration Mission-1, is undergoing heat shield installation at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The uncrewed capsule is to launch atop the first Space Launch System exploration rocket for a voyage around the moon and back to Earth for an ocean splashdown and recovery.
NASA astronauts suited up in bulky space suits to test how well they could transit the hatches of the Orion crew exploration vehicle. The test activities demonstrated how well the astronauts could exit the capsule in a spaceflight emergency.
SLS Rocket Test: SLS engine fired up following previous aborted test A
first stage rocket engine from Aerojet Rocketdyne for NASA’s Space Launch System exploration rocket ran for a full-duration 650 seconds during a successful ground test at NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi on Friday. The firing was a “make up” for a mid-July test firing that was aborted in response to a test stand problem. The Exploration Mission-1 test launch of the SLS with an unpiloted Orion capsule is planned for late 2018.
KSC’s VAB Prepares for SLS: http://www.universetoday.com/130095/major-overhaul-of-vab-for-nasas-sls-mars-rocket-reaches-halfway-point-with-platform-installation/?utm_source=Today%27s+Deep+Space+Extra%2C+Friday%2C+August+5%2C+2016&utm_campaign=dailycsextra&utm_medium=email
At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the challenging installation of massive access platforms within the center’s Vehicle Assembly Building has reached the mid-point. The platforms will provide access to the Space Launch System exploration rocket that is under development to start human explorers on Mars and other deep space exploration missions. (See also: Inside NASA’s towering rocket factory before deep space mission)
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.