NASA’s new spacecraft has been through quite a bit of testing, but it’s not done yet. Before it can fly in 2018, the Orion crew capsule must have its structural integrity verified.
One method that helps confirm the structural integrity of the spacecraft is called proof pressure testing. This basically means that the underlying structure of Orion, called the pressure vessel, is being evaluated.
Orion was just lifted into a test stand at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to begin pressure testing. A team from NASA and the primary contractor of the spacecraft, Lockheed Martin, are preparing the spacecraft for testing.
This is an important part of Orion’s journey, and is a milestone toward its upcoming mission. Orion will fly on top of the Space Launch System (SLS) in 2018. This unmanned mission will travel beyond the moon and return to Earth. The mission is known as Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1).
A different part of Orion is also being tested to verify its structural integrity. This other module, known as the service module, will be blasted with sound pressure and vibration. This method of testing simulates the sounds of launch and ascent on top of the SLS rocket and is taking place at NASA Glenn Research Center in Ohio.
Additionally, a mockup of the crew capsule recently began a series of drop tests in a water basin. These tests are conducted at NASA Langley Research Center in Virginia and will help ensure a successful landing.