NASA
Preparing for Exploration Flight Test-1: Spacecraft Adapter Added to Orion Service Module (Press Release)
Kennedy Space Center - Operations and Checkout Building. The spacecraft adapter is moved into position under the service module for Exploration Flight Test-1 (EFT-1) for alignment prior to final assembly operations. An air bearing palette, which rides on a cushion of air, was used to allow four technicians to move the spacecraft adapter into position. The spacecraft adapter is used to attach the Orion service module to the United Launch Alliance Delta IV upper stage which will provide propulsion for the EFT-1 flight.
Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations in deep space, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. EFT-1 will be Orion's first mission and send an uncrewed spacecraft 3,600 miles into Earth's orbit. As part of the test flight, Orion will return to Earth at a speed of approximately 20,000 mph for a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. The flight test is scheduled for September 2014.
Source: NASA.Gov
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NASA / Kim Shiflett
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