We are a step closer to the human exploration of deep space.
Earlier this month, a milestone was reached for the spacecraft that will carry humans farther into space than they’ve ever gone before. The critical design review (CDR) was conducted for the service module of the Orion spacecraft.
Image Credit: NASA
There are three main parts of Orion: the launch abort system, the crew module and the service module. The launch abort system ensures crew safety during an emergency. The crew module will carry the astronauts and protect them all the way from launch to landing and recovery. The service module will provide support for the crew module by means of in-space propulsion, water, oxygen, nitrogen, power generation and storage, and thermal control.
Airbus Defense and Space is the main contractor for the service module through the European Space Agency (ESA).
During this recent CDR, the service module design was examined and validated by experts. After passing the review, the service module can now be produced, assembled, integrated and tested.
The meeting took place in the Netherlands, and teams from NASA, ESA, Lockheed Martin and Airbus Defence & Space worked together to develop plans to move forward on power, solar array management and propellant usage.
The service module will be delivered to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in 2017 for Orion’s 2018 launch on NASA’s new rocket, Space Launch System (SLS). During this mission known as as Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1), Orion will fly thousands of miles beyond the moon and return to Earth. On the flight following EM-1, Orion will be manned and astronauts will travel into deep space.
Learn about the Orion spacecraft at NASA.gov.