Orion Returns to Earth
The Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle Arrival in Lunar Orbit
M–1949–01 Mar 09LG–2007–07–011–GRC
The service module will support Orion until just before the crew
module reenters Earth’s atmosphere. The service and crew
modules will separate and Orion will descend to Earth’s surface
with the aid of parachutes and airbags.
For missions to the moon, Orion will dock in low Earth orbit
with a lunar lander module, Altair, and an Earth departure stage.
The Earth departure stage
will propel Orion and Altair to the moon. Once they have reached
lunar orbit, astro-nauts will use the landing craft to travel to
the moon’s surface. Orion will stay in lunar orbit waiting for the
crew to return in a part of the lander called the ascent module.
When all the astronauts are back inside Orion, the spacecraft will
break out of the lunar orbit and head home to Earth, propelled by
the main engine of its service module.
NASA is building a new spacecraft that will become America's
primary vehicle for human space exploration beginning in the next
decade. The new spacecraft, Orion, is part of the Constellation
Program to send explorers to the moon and onward to other
destinations in the solar system.
Building on the best of Apollo and shuttle technology, NASA is
creating a 21st century exploration system that will be affordable,
reliable, versatile and safe. Orion will be able to transport as
many as six crew members to the International Space Station and
four to the moon. For lunar missions, it will be able to rendezvous
in low Earth orbit with a landing craft Earth departure stage.
Orion will also be able to rendezvous in low Earth orbit with
vehicles that will take explorers to Mars and other destinations in
our solar system.
Ares I Launch with Orion
Orion on Approach to International Space Station
The Orion crew exploration vehicle will be launched into Earth
orbit by the Ares I crew launch vehicle. Orion and its launch
abort
system will be placed at the top of the Ares I rocket to
eliminate the threat to the crew from falling debris on launch and
ascent. The first stage of the Ares I is a
single, five-segment reusable solid rocket and its upper stage
is powered by a J–2X engine.
Orion’s first task will be to provide access to the space
station. Orion can remain docked to the station for as long as six
months, providing the crew a means to return to Earth at any time.
Orion will also be able to carry cargo and supplies to the space
station.
Visit www.nasa.gov for the latest on the Constellation Program
and Project Orion.
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