Orion (spacecraft)#Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV)

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Orion uses the same basic configuration as the Apollo command and service module (CSM) that first took astronauts to the Moon, but with an increased diameter, updated thermal protection system, and other more modern technologies. It is designed to support long-duration deep space missions with up to 21 days of active crew time plus 6 months' quiescent spacecraft life.{{cite journal |url=https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/20090029327.pdf |title=Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) |journal=NTRS.nasa.gov |publisher=NASA |location=Ames Research Center |year=2009 |access-date=April 7, 2014 |first=L. |last=Peterson |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407215209/http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/20090029327.pdf |archive-date=April 7, 2014 |url-status=live}} During the quiescent period, crew life support would be provided by another module, such as the proposed Lunar Gateway. The spacecraft's life support, propulsion, thermal protection, and avionics systems can be upgraded as new technologies become available.

At launch, the Orion spacecraft includes both crew and service modules, a spacecraft adapter and an emergency launch abort system. The Orion{{'s}} crew module is larger than Apollo's and can support more crew members for short or long-duration missions. The European service module propels and powers the spacecraft as well as storing oxygen and water for astronauts. Orion relies on solar energy rather than fuel cells, which allows for longer missions.

File:The Artemis II crew completing Post Insertion and Deorbit Preparation training (jsc2025e004086).jpg

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File:NASA's Orion Spacecraft Parachutes Tested at U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground.jpg

File:Orion PA-1 paint job.jpg)]]

The Orion crew module (CM) is a reusable transportation capsule that provides a habitat for the crew, provides storage for consumables and research instruments, and contains the docking port for crew transfers.{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/orion/21st_century_style_return_to_the_moon.html|title=NASA – A 21st Century-Style Return to the Moon|website=nasa.gov|access-date=June 3, 2018|archive-date=September 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905232237/https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/orion/21st_century_style_return_to_the_moon.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Bergin |first1=Chris |title=EFT-1 Orion completes assembly and conducts FRR |url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/10/eft-1-orion-assembly-conduts-frr/ |website=NASASpaceflight.com |date=October 30, 2014 |access-date=November 10, 2014 |archive-date=August 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817092439/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/10/eft-1-orion-assembly-conduts-frr/ |url-status=live }} The crew module is the only part of the spacecraft that returns to Earth after each mission and is a 57.5° frustum shape with a blunt spherical aft end, {{convert|5.02|m|ftin|sp=us}} in diameter and {{convert|3.3|m|ftin|sp=us}} in length,{{cite press release|title=NASA – Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle|date=February 7, 2009|publisher=NASA|url=http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/156298main_orion_handout.pdf|access-date=February 7, 2009|archive-date=April 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210408073530/https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/156298main_orion_handout.pdf|url-status=live}} with a mass of about {{convert|8.5|MT|lb|sp=us}}. It was manufactured by the Lockheed Martin Corporation at Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/5304086.stm |date=August 31, 2006 |title=Lockheed to build Nasa 'Moonship' |work=BBC News |access-date=March 1, 2007 |archive-date=April 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417181900/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/5304086.stm |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://mafspace.msfc.nasa.gov/current-tenants/lockheed-martin/|title=Michoud Tenants: Lockheed Martin|last=LaNasa|first=Shannon|date=2021|access-date=June 27, 2021|website=Marshall Space Flight Center|publisher=NASA|archive-date=March 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318002450/https://mafspace.msfc.nasa.gov/current-tenants/lockheed-martin/|url-status=live}}{{PD-notice}}{{Cite web|last=Cristina|first=Victoria|url=https://wgno.com/news/louisiana/behind-the-scenes-at-nasa-michoud-assembly-of-the-orion-crew-modules/|date=April 26, 2021|title=Behind the scenes at NASA Michoud: Assembly of the Orion Crew Modules|website=WGNO|publisher=Nexstar Media Group|access-date=February 12, 2022|archive-date=November 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116144839/https://wgno.com/news/louisiana/behind-the-scenes-at-nasa-michoud-assembly-of-the-orion-crew-modules/|url-status=live}}{{Cite tweet|title=Technicians at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility completed the welding on Orion's pressure vessel which will carry @NASA_Astronauts to the Moon on #Artemis III.|user=NASA_Orion|author=NASA Orion public relations|date=September 10, 2021|number=1436382093404221453}} It has 50% more volume than the Apollo capsule and will carry four astronauts. After extensive study, NASA selected the Avcoat ablator system to provide heat protection encountered during reentry for the Orion crew module. Avcoat, which is composed of silica fibers with a resin in a honeycomb made of fiberglass and phenolic resin, was formerly used on the Apollo missions and on the Space Shuttle orbiter for early flights.{{cite press release |publisher=NASA Ames Research Center |date=April 7, 2009 |title=NASA Selects Material for Orion Spacecraft Heat Shield |url=http://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/news/releases/2009/09-39AR.html |access-date=April 16, 2009 |archive-date=March 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210317173040/https://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/news/releases/2009/09-39AR.html |url-status=live }}

The CM uses Glass cockpit digital control systems derived from those of the Boeing 787.{{cite news |last=Coppinger |first=Rob |title=NASA Orion crew vehicle will use voice controls in Boeing 787-style Honeywell smart cockpit |publisher=Flight International |date=October 6, 2006 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/nasa-orion-crew-vehicle-will-use-voice-controls-in-b-209724/ |access-date=October 6, 2006 |archive-date=January 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105123150/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/nasa-orion-crew-vehicle-will-use-voice-controls-in-b-209724/ |url-status=live }}

It incorporates an "autodock" feature, like those of Progress, the Automated Transfer Vehicle, and Dragon 2, with provision for the flight crew to take over in an emergency.

It has waste-management facilities, with a miniature camping-style toilet and the unisex "relief tube" used on the Space Shuttle.

It has a nitrogen/oxygen ({{chem|N|2}}/{{chem|O|2}}) mixed atmosphere at either sea level ({{convert|101.3|kPa|psi|abbr=on|lk=on|disp=or}}) or reduced ({{convert|55.2|to|70.3|kPa|psi|abbr=on|disp=or}}) pressure.

The CM is built of aluminium-lithium alloy. The reusable recovery parachutes are based on the parachutes used on both the Apollo spacecraft and the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Boosters, and constructed of Nomex cloth. Water landing is the exclusive means of recovery for the Orion CM.{{cite web|url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2007/08/orion-landings-to-be-splashdowns-ksc-buildings-to-be-demolished/|title=Orion landings to be splashdowns – KSC buildings to be demolished|date=August 5, 2007|publisher=NASA SpaceFlight.com|access-date=August 5, 2007|archive-date=June 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160607173246/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2007/08/orion-landings-to-be-splashdowns-ksc-buildings-to-be-demolished/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://nasawatch.com/archives/2007/08/nasa-denies-making-orion-water-landing-decision---and-deleting-touchdowns-on-land.html|title=NASA Denies Making Orion Water Landing Decision – and Deleting Touchdowns on Land|date=August 6, 2007|publisher=NASA Watch|access-date=November 23, 2010}}

To allow Orion to mate with other vehicles, it will be equipped with the NASA Docking System. The spacecraft employs a Launch Abort System (LAS) along with a "Boost Protective Cover" (made of fiberglass), to protect the Orion CM from aerodynamic and impact stresses during the first {{frac|2|1|2}} minutes of ascent. Orion is designed to be 10 times safer during ascent and reentry than the Space Shuttle.{{cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/may/HQ_11-164_MPCV_Decision.html |title=NASA Announces Key Decision For Next Deep Space Transportation System |date=May 24, 2011 |publisher=NASA |access-date=May 25, 2011 |archive-date=September 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915182112/http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2011/may/HQ_11-164_MPCV_Decision.html |url-status=live }} The CM is designed to be refurbished and reused. In addition, all of Orion's component parts have been designed to be as modular as possible, so that between the craft's first test flight in 2014 and its projected Mars voyage in the 2030s, the spacecraft can be upgraded as new technologies become available.{{cite web|url=http://www.space.com/21541-nasa-orion-spacecraft-reusable.html|title=NASA Goes 'Green': Next Spacecraft to be Reusable – Orion Capsule|work=Space.com|date=June 13, 2013|access-date=November 30, 2014|archive-date=December 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204145412/http://www.space.com/21541-nasa-orion-spacecraft-reusable.html|url-status=live}}

As of 2019, the Spacecraft Atmospheric Monitor is planned to be used in the Orion CM.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasas-spacecraft-atmosphere-monitor-goes-to-work-aboard-the-international-space-station|title=S.A.M. Goes to Work Aboard ISS|last=Hill|first=Denise|date=2019-07-23|website=NASA|access-date=2019-07-31|archive-date=November 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107234201/https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasas-spacecraft-atmosphere-monitor-goes-to-work-aboard-the-international-space-station/|url-status=live}}

{{main|European Service Module}}

File:Orion Service Module.jpg attached at the back]]

In May 2011, the ESA director general announced a possible collaboration with NASA to work on a successor to the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV).{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-13286238 |title=US and Europe plan new spaceship |work=BBC News |date=May 5, 2011 |access-date=2011-05-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110506062354/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-13286238 |archive-date=May 6, 2011 |url-status=live}} On June 21, 2012, Airbus Defence and Space announced that they had been awarded two separate studies, each worth €6.5 million, to evaluate the possibilities of using technology and experience gained from ATV and Columbus related work for future missions. The first looked into the possible construction of a service module which would be used in tandem with the Orion CM.{{cite web |url=http://spaceflightnow.com/news/n1206/21atvfuture/ |title=ATV evolution studies look at exploration, debris removal |publisher=Spaceflight Now |date=June 21, 2012 |access-date=2012-06-23 |archive-date=February 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130206090340/http://spaceflightnow.com/news/n1206/21atvfuture/ |url-status=live }} The second examined the possible production of a versatile multi purpose orbital vehicle.{{cite web |url=http://www.astrium.eads.net/en/press_centre/astrium-awarded-two-atv-evolution-studies-from-esa.html |title=Airbus Defence and Space awarded two ATV evolution studies from ESA |publisher=Astrium |date=June 21, 2012 |access-date=2012-06-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130403045627/http://www.astrium.eads.net/en/press_centre/astrium-awarded-two-atv-evolution-studies-from-esa.html |archive-date=April 3, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}

On November 21, 2012, the ESA decided to develop an ATV-derived service module for Orion.{{cite web |date=November 21, 2012 |first=Chris |last=Bergin |url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/11/uk-steps-up-esa-commit-atv-service-module-orion/ |title=UK steps up, as ESA commit to ATV Service Module on NASA's Orion |publisher=NASASpaceFlight.com |access-date=2014-07-15 |archive-date=December 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121205023436/http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/11/uk-steps-up-esa-commit-atv-service-module-orion/ |url-status=live }} The service module is being manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space in Bremen, Germany.{{cite web| url=http://www.space-airbusds.com/en/programmes/mpcv-esm-v15.html| title=Multi Purpose Crew Vehicle – European Service Module for NASA's Orion programme| publisher=Airbus Defence and Space| access-date=March 7, 2016| archive-date=March 6, 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306195325/http://www.space-airbusds.com/en/programmes/mpcv-esm-v15.html| url-status=live}} NASA announced on January 16, 2013, that the ESA service module will first fly on Artemis I, the debut launch of the Space Launch System.

Testing of the European service module began in February 2016, at the Space Power Facility.{{cite web |author=Zoller |first=Cody |date=December 1, 2015 |title=NASA to begin testing Orion's European Service Module |url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/12/nasa-testing-orions-european-service-module/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306080848/http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/12/nasa-testing-orions-european-service-module/ |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |access-date=March 7, 2016 |publisher=NASA SpaceFlight}}

On February 16, 2017, a €200 million contract was signed between Airbus and the European Space Agency for the production of a second European service module for use on the first crewed Orion flight, Artemis II.[https://orionesm.airbusdefenceandspace.com/blog/airbus-defence-and-space-wins-200-million-euros-esa-contract-for-second-service-module-for-nasas-orion-crewed-space-capsule/ Airbus Defence and Space wins 200 million euros ESA contract for second service module for NASA's Orion crewed space capsule] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419104733/https://orionesm.airbusdefenceandspace.com/blog/airbus-defence-and-space-wins-200-million-euros-esa-contract-for-second-service-module-for-nasas-orion-crewed-space-capsule/ |date=April 19, 2017 }}. Airbus Defense and Space press release. February 16, 2017.

On October 26, 2018, the first unit for Artemis I was assembled in full at Airbus Defence and Space's factory in Bremen, Germany.{{cite web |title=Call for media: The European Service module meets Orion |url=https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Orion/Call_for_media_The_European_Service_Module_meets_Orion |website=European Space Agency |date=26 October 2018 |access-date=February 6, 2020 |archive-date=February 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206225704/https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Orion/Call_for_media_The_European_Service_Module_meets_Orion |url-status=live }}

{{See also| Orion abort modes}}

In the event of an emergency on the launch pad or during ascent, the Launch Abort System (LAS) will separate the crew module from the launch vehicle using three solid rocket motors: an abort motor (AM),{{cite web|url=http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/air_space/4212906.html?page=2|title=Mission to the Moon: How We'll Go Back – and Stay This Time|publisher=popularmechanics.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080203071538/http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/air_space/4212906.html?page=2|archive-date=February 3, 2008|access-date=February 8, 2008|df=mdy-all}} an attitude control motor (ACM), and a jettison motor (JM). The AM provides the thrust needed to accelerate the capsule, while the ACM is used to point the AM{{cite web|url=http://space.io9.com/meet-orion-nasas-new-deep-space-explorer-1663858997|title=Meet Orion, NASA's New Deep Space Explorer|author=Mika McKinnon|date=2014-12-04|publisher=Space.io9.com|access-date=2016-10-31|archive-date=November 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151108222604/http://space.io9.com/meet-orion-nasas-new-deep-space-explorer-1663858997|url-status=live}} and the jettison motor separates the LAS from the crew capsule.{{cite web |url=http://www.rocket.com/launch-abort-system-jettison-motor |title=Launch Abort System Jettison Motor | Aerojet Rocketdyne |publisher=Rocket.com |access-date=2016-10-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125155546/http://www.rocket.com/launch-abort-system-jettison-motor |archive-date=January 25, 2016 }} On July 10, 2007, Orbital Sciences, the prime contractor for the LAS, awarded Alliant Techsystems (ATK) a $62.5 million sub-contract to "design, develop, produce, test and deliver the launch abort motor," which uses a "reverse flow" design.{{cite press release |url=http://www2.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/07-10-2007/0004622662 |title=ATK Awarded Contract for Orion Launch Abort Motors |publisher=PRNewswire |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301002036/http://www2.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=%2Fwww%2Fstory%2F07-10-2007%2F0004622662 |archive-date=March 1, 2012 |df=mdy-all }} On July 9, 2008, NASA announced that ATK had completed construction of a vertical test stand at a facility in Promontory, Utah to test launch abort motors for the Orion spacecraft.{{cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/orion/H-08-137.html |title=Orion's New Launch Abort Motor Test Stand Ready for Action |publisher=NASA |access-date=January 5, 2012 |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604223925/http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/orion/H-08-137.html |url-status=live }} Another long-time space motor contractor, Aerojet, was awarded the jettison motor design and development contract for the LAS. As of September 2008, Aerojet has, along with team members Orbital Sciences, Lockheed Martin and NASA, successfully demonstrated two full-scale test firings of the jettison motor. This motor is used on every flight, as it separates the LAS from the vehicle after both a successful launch and a launch abort.{{cite web |last1=Rhian |first1=Jason |title=Jettison Motor Readied For Integration Into Orion's LAS |url=https://www.spaceflightinsider.com/missions/human-spaceflight/jettison-motor-readied-for-integration-into-orions-las/ |website=spaceflightinsider.com |publisher=Spaceflight Insider |access-date=July 1, 2019 |language=en |date=July 17, 2018 |quote=The jettison motor separates the LAS from the Orion capsule on its way to orbit. |archive-date=July 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701231707/https://www.spaceflightinsider.com/missions/human-spaceflight/jettison-motor-readied-for-integration-into-orions-las/ |url-status=live }}

With the announcement in 2019 of the intent to procure a Human Landing System for Artemis missions, NASA provided Orion mass and propulsion capability values. After separation from the SLS upper stage, the Orion is expected to have a mass of {{cvt |26,375 |kg}} and be capable of performing maneuvers requiring up to {{cvt |1,050 |m/s |ft/s |0}} of delta-v.{{cite web |url=https://sam.gov/opp/d5460a204ab23cc0035c088dcc580d17/view |title=NextSTEP-2 Appendix H, Attachment F: Human Landing System to Orion Interface Requirements Document (HLS-IRD-005) |date=30 Sep 2019 |publisher=NASA}}

File:NASA's Orion Spacecraft Heads Cross Country.jpeg

The Orion MPCV was announced by NASA on May 24, 2011.{{cite news |title=NASA Unveils New Spaceship for Deep Space Exploration |first=Mike |last=Wall |url=http://www.space.com/11765-nasa-deep-space-exploration-vehicle-announcement.html |newspaper=Space.com |date=May 24, 2011 |access-date=May 24, 2011 |archive-date=May 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525184808/http://www.space.com/11765-nasa-deep-space-exploration-vehicle-announcement.html |url-status=live }} Its design is based on the Crew Exploration Vehicle from the canceled Constellation program,{{cite conference |last=Moen |first=Marina M. |date=August 8, 2011 |title=Feasibility of Orion Crew Module Entry on Half of Available Propellant Due to Tank Isolation Fault |conference=AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference |publisher=American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics |via=NASA Technical Reports Server |hdl=2060/20110014641}} which had been a 2006 NASA contract award to Lockheed Martin.{{cite press release |title=NASA Selects Lockheed Martin To Be Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle Prime Contractor |publisher=NASA |date=2006-08-31 |url=http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=20720 |access-date=2006-08-31 |archive-date=July 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120703153911/http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=20720 |url-status=dead }} The command module is being built by Lockheed Martin at the Michoud Assembly Facility, while the Orion service module is being built by Airbus Defence and Space in Bremen with funding from the European Space Agency.{{cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/mpcv/orion_feature_011613.html |title=NASA Signs Agreement for a European-Provided Orion Service Module |work=nasa.gov |date=January 16, 2013 |access-date=March 28, 2014 |author= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328093836/http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/mpcv/orion_feature_011613.html |archive-date=March 28, 2014 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}{{cite web |url=http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Human_Spaceflight/Research/ESA_workhorse_to_power_NASA_s_Orion_spacecraft |title=ESA workhorse to power NASA's Orion spacecraft / Research / Human Spaceflight / Our Activities / ESA |publisher=Esa.int |date=2013-01-16 |access-date=2014-07-15 |archive-date=November 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151113032530/http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Human_Spaceflight/Research/ESA_workhorse_to_power_NASA_s_Orion_spacecraft |url-status=live }} The CM's first uncrewed test flight (EFT-1) was launched without the EUS atop a Delta IV Heavy rocket on December 5, 2014, and lasted 4 hours and 24 minutes before landing at its target in the Pacific Ocean.{{cite web|url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/03/eft-1-slips-december-satellite-launch-first/|title=EFT-1 Orion slips to December – Allows military satellite to launch first|last=Bergin|first=Chris|date=March 15, 2014|work=nasaspaceflight.com|publisher=NASAspaceflight.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328092410/http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/03/eft-1-slips-december-satellite-launch-first/|archive-date=March 28, 2014|url-status=live|access-date=March 28, 2014|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web |url=http://www.spaceflightnow.com/orion/eft1/140315delay/ |title=Launch schedule shakeup delays Orion to December |work=spaceflightnow.com |date=March 15, 2014 |access-date=March 28, 2014 |first=Stephen |last=Clark |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328092956/http://www.spaceflightnow.com/orion/eft1/140315delay/ |archive-date=March 28, 2014 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}{{cite web |url=http://www.aerospaceguide.net/spacecraft/eft-1.html |title=Orion Exploration Flight Test-1 |work=aerospaceguide.net |date=January 11, 2014 |access-date=March 28, 2014 |author= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328092052/http://www.aerospaceguide.net/spacecraft/eft-1.html |archive-date=March 28, 2014 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}{{cite news |last=Fountain |first=Henry |title=NASA's Orion Spacecraft Splashes Down in Pacific After Test Flight |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/06/science/nasa-orion-spacecraft-lifts-off-into-orbit.html |date=December 5, 2014 |work=New York Times |access-date=December 5, 2014 |archive-date=April 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412154548/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/06/science/nasa-orion-spacecraft-lifts-off-into-orbit.html |url-status=live }}

On November 30, 2020, it was reported that NASA and Lockheed Martin had found a failure with a component in one of the Orion spacecraft's power data units but NASA later clarified that it did not expect the issue to affect the Artemis I launch date.{{Cite web|last=Grush|first=Loren|author-link=Loren Grush|title=Component failure in NASA's deep-space crew capsule could take months to fix|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/11/30/21726753/nasa-orion-crew-capsule-power-unit-failure-artemis-i|website=The Verge|access-date=3 December 2020|date=30 November 2020|archive-date=December 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204165812/https://www.theverge.com/2020/11/30/21726753/nasa-orion-crew-capsule-power-unit-failure-artemis-i|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Klotz|first=Irene|author-link=Irene Klotz|title=Issue with Orion power distribution unit "We really don't think it's going to be a big impact on the final schedule for the Artemis I flight," @NASA's Ken Bowersox tells reporters|url=https://twitter.com/Free_Space/status/1336013359473430529|access-date=9 December 2020|date=7 December 2020|archive-date=December 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207182412/https://twitter.com/Free_Space/status/1336013359473430529|url-status=live}}

For fiscal years 2006 through 2023, the Orion program had expended funding totaling $22.9 billion in nominal dollars. This is equivalent to $29.4 billion in 2024 dollars using the NASA New Start Inflation Indices."NASA FY22 Inflation Tables - to be utilized in FY23" (Excel). NASA. Retrieved 31 October 2022. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.

In 2024, the US Congress approved "up to" $1.339 billion for the NASA Orion spacecraft.{{Cite web |title=NASA's FY 2024 Budget |url=https://www.planetary.org/space-policy/nasas-fy-2024-budget |access-date=2024-06-07 |website=The Planetary Society |language=en |archive-date=June 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626133609/https://www.planetary.org/space-policy/nasas-fy-2024-budget |url-status=live }}

Excluded from the prior Orion costs are:

1. Most costs "for production, operations, or sustainment of additional crew capsules, despite plans to use and possibly enhance this capsule after 2021";{{cite web|url=http://www.gao.gov/assets/670/663071.pdf|title=NASA Actions Needed to Improve Transparency and Assess Long Term Affordability of Human Exploration Programs|date=May 2014|publisher=General Accounting Office|page=2|access-date=June 7, 2016|archive-date=March 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310081508/http://www.gao.gov/assets/670/663071.pdf|url-status=live}} production and operations contracts were awarded going into fiscal year 2020{{Cite news|title=NASA Commits to Long-term Artemis Missions with Orion Production Contract|work=NASA.gov|url=https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-commits-to-long-term-artemis-missions-with-orion-production-contract|access-date=July 26, 2020|archive-date=July 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721011510/https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-commits-to-long-term-artemis-missions-with-orion-production-contract/|url-status=live}}
2. Costs of the first service module and spare parts, which are provided by ESA{{cite web|url=http://www.spacepolicyonline.com/news/nasa-esa-agreement-on-orion-service-module-is-for-only-one-unit-plus-spares|title=NASA-ESA Agreement on Orion Service Module is For Only One Unit Plus Spares|last=Smith|first=Marcia|date=January 17, 2013|publisher=spacepolicyonline.com|access-date=June 28, 2016|archive-date=August 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812070230/http://www.spacepolicyonline.com/news/nasa-esa-agreement-on-orion-service-module-is-for-only-one-unit-plus-spares|url-status=live}} for the test flight of Orion (about US$1 billion){{cite web|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2014/12/03/esa-member-states-commit-funding-for-orion-service-module/|title=ESA member states commit funding for Orion service module|last=Clark|first=Stephen|date=December 3, 2014|publisher=spaceflightnow.com|access-date=June 28, 2016|archive-date=December 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205185405/http://spaceflightnow.com/2014/12/03/esa-member-states-commit-funding-for-orion-service-module/|url-status=live}}
3. Costs to assemble, integrate, prepare and launch the Orion and its launcher, funded separately in the NASA Ground Operations Project,{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd_Bg7K6Jt0|title=NASA's Ground Systems Development and Operations Program Completes Preliminary Design Review|date=March 27, 2014 |publisher=National Aeronautics and Space Administration|access-date=June 28, 2016|archive-date=September 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930001739/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd_Bg7K6Jt0|url-status=live}} currently about $600 million"[https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/fy_2022_spend_plan_july_2022.pdf National Aeronautics and Space Administration FY 2022 Spending Plan]" (PDF). NASA. Retrieved 03 January 2023. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230103161215/https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/fy_2022_spend_plan_july_2022.pdf Archived] from the original on 03 January 2023. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain. per year
4. Costs of the launcher, the SLS, for the Orion spacecraft

For 2021 to 2025, NASA estimates{{Cite web|title=NASA FY 2021 Budget Estimates|url=https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/fy_2021_budget_book_508.pdf|access-date=July 26, 2020|website=NASA.gov|archive-date=July 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727051233/https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/fy_2021_budget_book_508.pdf|url-status=live}} yearly budgets for Orion from $1.4 to $1.1 billion. In late 2015, the Orion program was assessed at a 70% confidence level for its first crewed flight by 2023,{{cite web |url=http://spacenews.com/first-crewed-orion-mission-may-slip-to-2023/ |title=First Crewed Orion Mission May Slip to 2023 |publisher=Space News |date=September 16, 2015 |author=J. Foust |access-date=September 16, 2015 |archive-date=September 23, 2015 |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20150923084955/http://spacenews.com/first%2Dcrewed%2Dorion%2Dmission%2Dmay%2Dslip%2Dto%2D2023/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2015/09/16/orion-spacecraft-may-not-fly-with-astronauts-until-2023/ |title=Orion spacecraft may not fly with astronauts until 2023 |last=Clark |first=Stephen |date=September 16, 2015 |website=spaceflightnow.com |access-date=June 7, 2016 |archive-date=July 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701155403/https://spaceflightnow.com/2015/09/16/orion-spacecraft-may-not-fly-with-astronauts-until-2023/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.spacepolicyonline.com/news/mikulski-deeply-troubled-by-nasas-budget-request-sls-wont-use-70-percent-jcl |title=Mikulski "Deeply Troubled" by NASA's Budget Request; SLS Won't Use 70 Percent JCL |last=Smith |first=Marcia |date=May 1, 2014 |publisher=spacepolicyonline.com |access-date=June 7, 2016 |archive-date=August 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805085633/http://www.spacepolicyonline.com/news/mikulski-deeply-troubled-by-nasas-budget-request-sls-wont-use-70-percent-jcl |url-status=live }} but in January 2024 NASA announced plans for a first crewed flight of Orion no earlier than September 2025.Foust, Jeff (9 January 2024). "[https://spacenews.com/nasa-delays-artemis-2-and-3-missions/ NASA delays Artemis 2 and 3 missions]" Spacenews. Retrieved 7 June 2024.

There are no NASA estimates for the Orion program recurring yearly costs once operational, for a certain flight rate per year, or for the resulting average costs per flight. However, a production and operations contract{{Cite web|title=Orion Production and Operations Contract|url=https://govtribe.com/opportunity/federal-contract-opportunity/orion-production-and-operations-contract-80jsc17opoc|access-date=July 26, 2020|website=govtribe.com|archive-date=July 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726175922/https://govtribe.com/opportunity/federal-contract-opportunity/orion-production-and-operations-contract-80jsc17opoc|url-status=live}} awarded to Lockheed Martin in 2019 indicated NASA will pay the prime contractor $900 million for the first three Orion capsules and $633 million for the following three.{{Cite news|last=Berger|first=Eric|date=September 24, 2019|title=After 15 years of development, Lockheed wins new cost-plus contract for Orion; Originally, NASA had hoped for a fixed-price deal|work=ars.technica|url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/09/after-15-years-of-development-lockheed-wins-new-cost-plus-contract-for-orion/|access-date=July 26, 2020|archive-date=July 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716153821/https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/09/after-15-years-of-development-lockheed-wins-new-cost-plus-contract-for-orion/|url-status=live}} In 2016, the NASA manager of exploration systems development said that Orion, SLS, and supporting ground systems should cost "US$2 billion or less" annually.{{Cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2016/08/how-much-will-sls-and-orion-cost-to-fly-finally-some-answers/|title=How much will SLS and Orion cost to fly? Finally, some answers|last=Berger|first=Eric|date=August 19, 2016|website=arstechnica.com|access-date=January 1, 2019|archive-date=December 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224004400/https://arstechnica.com/science/2016/08/how-much-will-sls-and-orion-cost-to-fly-finally-some-answers/|url-status=live}} NASA will not provide the cost per flight of Orion and SLS, with associate administrator William H. Gerstenmaier stating "costs must be derived from the data and are not directly available. This was done by design to lower NASA's expenditures" in 2017.{{Cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/10/nasa-chooses-to-not-tell-congress-how-much-deep-space-missions-cost/|title=NASA chooses not to tell Congress how much deep space missions cost|last=Berger|first=Eric|date=October 20, 2017|website=arstechnica.com|access-date=January 1, 2019|archive-date=December 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217062648/https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/10/nasa-chooses-to-not-tell-congress-how-much-deep-space-missions-cost/|url-status=live}}

On 2 May 2025, the Trump administration released its fiscal year 2026 budget proposal for NASA, which calls for terminating the Orion and SLS programs after Artemis III.{{Cite news |last=Berger |first=Eric |author-link=Eric Berger (journalist) |date=2 May 2025 |title=White House budget seeks to end SLS, Orion, and Lunar Gateway programs |url=https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/05/white-house-budget-seeks-to-end-sls-orion-and-lunar-gateway-programs/ |access-date=3 May 2025 |work=Ars Technica |language=en}}{{Cite press release |title=President Trump’s FY26 Budget Revitalizes Human Space Exploration |date=2 May 2025 |url=https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/president-trumps-fy26-budget-revitalizes-human-space-exploration/ |language=en-US |last1=Dooren |first1=Jennifer M. |last2=Stevens |first2=Bethany |access-date=2 May 2025 |website=NASA}} The budget allocates funding for a program to transition to "more cost-effective commercial systems".{{Cite web |date=2 May 2025 |title=Fiscal Year 2026 Discretionary Budget Request |url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Fiscal-Year-2026-Discretionary-Budget-Request.pdf |website=United States Office of Management and Budget |page=37}}

File:Orion water test.jpg

File:Orion Drop Test on Feb 29.jpg

File:Technicians carefully position an Orion flight test crew module.jpg

• Space Vehicle Mockup Facility (SVMF) in Johnson Space Center, includes a full-scale Orion capsule mock-up for astronaut training.{{cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/home/extreme_makeover_svmf.html|title=NASA Extreme Makeover—Space Vehicle Mockup Facility|publisher=nasa.gov|access-date=2014-12-05|archive-date=June 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629190834/http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/home/extreme_makeover_svmf.html|url-status=live}}
• MLAS An Orion boilerplate was used in the MLAS test launch.
• Ares-I-X The Orion Mass Simulator was used on the Ares I-X flight test.
• Pad Abort-1 An Orion boilerplate was used for the Pad Abort 1 flight test, the LAS was fully functional, the boilerplate was recovered.
• Ascent Abort-2 An Orion boilerplate was used for the Ascent Abort 2 flight test, the LAS was fully functional, the boilerplate was discarded.
• The Boilerplate Test Article (BTA) underwent splashdown testing at the Langley Research Center. This same test article has been modified to support Orion Recovery Testing in stationary and underway recovery tests.{{cite web |url=http://www.space-travel.com/reports/What_Goes_Up_Must_Come_Down_As_Orion_Crew_Vehicle_Development_Continues_999.html |title=What Goes Up Must Come Down As Orion Crew Vehicle Development Continues |publisher=Space-travel.com |access-date=2014-07-15 |archive-date=January 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106120836/http://www.space-travel.com/reports/What_Goes_Up_Must_Come_Down_As_Orion_Crew_Vehicle_Development_Continues_999.html |url-status=live }} The BTA contains over 150 sensors to gather data on its test drops.{{cite web |url=http://www.space-travel.com/reports/Orion_Continues_to_Make_a_Splash_999.html |title=Orion Continues to Make a Splash |publisher=Space-travel.com |access-date=2014-07-15 |archive-date=January 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110054539/http://www.space-travel.com/reports/Orion_Continues_to_Make_a_Splash_999.html |url-status=live }} Testing of the {{convert|18,000|lb|adj=on}} mockup ran from July 2011 to January 6, 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.space-travel.com/reports/Orion_Drop_Test_Jan_06_2012_999.html|title=Orion Drop Test – Jan. 06, 2012|publisher=Space-travel.com|access-date=2014-07-15|archive-date=January 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113182308/http://www.space-travel.com/reports/Orion_Drop_Test_Jan_06_2012_999.html|url-status=live}}
• The Ground Test Article (GTA) stack, located at Lockheed Martin in Denver, Colorado, was undergoing vibration testing.{{cite web |date=November 6, 2011 |first=Chris |last=Bergin |url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/11/nasa-approve-eft-1-flight-orion-pushes-2013-orbital-debut/ |title=NASA managers approve EFT-1 flight as Orion pushes for orbital debut |publisher=NASASpaceFlight.com |access-date=2014-07-15 |archive-date=January 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111225303/http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/11/nasa-approve-eft-1-flight-orion-pushes-2013-orbital-debut/ |url-status=live }} It is made up of the Orion Ground Test Vehicle (GTV) combined with its Launch Abort System (LAS). Further testing will see the addition of service module simulator panels and Thermal Protection System (TPS) to the GTA stack.{{cite web|url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/10/space-bound-orion-lunar-missions-referenced/|title=Space-bound Orion taking shape – "Lunar Surface First" missions referenced|last=Bergin|first=Chris|date=October 17, 2011|publisher=NASASpaceFlight.com|access-date=2014-07-15|archive-date=December 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111226104929/http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/10/space-bound-orion-lunar-missions-referenced/|url-status=live}}
• The Drop Test Article (DTA), also known as the Drop Test Vehicle (DTV) underwent test drops at the US Army's Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona from an altitude of {{convert|25,000|ft}}. Testing began in 2007. Drogue chutes deploy around {{convert|20,000|and|15,000|ft}}. Testing of the staged parachutes includes the partial opening and complete failure of one of the three main parachutes. With only two chutes deployed, the DTA lands at {{convert|33|ft/s}}, the maximum touchdown speed for Orion's design.{{cite web |url=http://www.space-travel.com/reports/NASA_Conducts_Orion_Parachute_Testing_for_Orbital_Test_Flight_999.html |title=NASA Conducts Orion Parachute Testing for Orbital Test Flight |publisher=Space-travel.com |access-date=2014-07-15 |archive-date=January 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110015504/http://www.space-travel.com/reports/NASA_Conducts_Orion_Parachute_Testing_for_Orbital_Test_Flight_999.html |url-status=live }} The drop test program had several failures in 2007, 2008, and 2010,{{cite web |date=February 10, 2012 |first=Chris |last=Bergin |url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/02/orion-hoping-for-success-second-generation-parachute-system/ |title=Orion hoping for success with second generation parachute system |publisher=NASASpaceFlight.com |access-date=2014-07-15 |archive-date=February 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213022549/http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/02/orion-hoping-for-success-second-generation-parachute-system/ |url-status=live }} resulting in a new DTV being constructed. The landing parachute set is known as the Capsule Parachute Assembly System (CPAS).{{cite web|url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/02/orion-ptv-preparing-drop-test-eft-1-orion-progress/|title=Orion PTV preparing for drop test on Wednesday – EFT-1 Orion progress|last=Bergin|first=Chris|date=February 26, 2012|publisher=NASASpaceFlight.com|access-date=2014-07-15|archive-date=February 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120228013618/http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/02/orion-ptv-preparing-drop-test-eft-1-orion-progress/|url-status=live}} With all parachutes functional, a landing speed of {{cvt|17|mph|sp=us}} was achieved.{{cite web |url=http://www.space-travel.com/reports/NASA_Conducts_New_Parachute_Test_for_Orion_999.html |title=NASA Conducts New Parachute Test for Orion |publisher=Space-travel.com |access-date=2014-07-15 |archive-date=March 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304145616/http://www.space-travel.com/reports/NASA_Conducts_New_Parachute_Test_for_Orion_999.html |url-status=live }} A third test vehicle, the PCDTV3, was successfully tested in a drop on April 17, 2012.{{cite web|title = Orion parachutes preparing for another milestone drop test on April 17 {{!}} NASASpaceFlight.com|url = http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/04/orion-parachutes-preparing-another-milestone-drop-test-april-17/|website = www.nasaspaceflight.com|date = April 12, 2012|access-date = 2015-08-26|archive-date = April 14, 2012|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120414141447/http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/04/orion-parachutes-preparing-another-milestone-drop-test-april-17/|url-status = live}}

{{main|Crew Exploration Vehicle}}

File:Orion spacecraft launch configuration (2009 revision).jpg

The idea for a Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) was announced on January 14, 2004, as part of the Vision for Space Exploration after the Space Shuttle Columbia accident.{{cite press release |title=President Bush Announces New Vision for Space Exploration Program |publisher=White House Office of the Press Secretary |date=January 14, 2004 |url=https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2004/01/20040114-3.html |access-date=September 1, 2006 |archive-date=May 21, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521184214/http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2004/01/20040114-3.html |url-status=live }} The CEV effectively replaced the conceptual Orbital Space Plane (OSP), a proposed replacement for the Space Shuttle. A design competition was held, and the winner was the proposal from a consortium led by Lockheed Martin. It was later named "Orion" after the stellar constellation and mythical hunter of the same name,{{cite web|url=http://www.aerospaceguide.net/spaceexploration/orion.html|title=Orion Spacecraft – Nasa Orion Spacecraft|work=aerospaceguide.net|access-date=February 2, 2013|archive-date=August 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806143308/http://www.aerospaceguide.net/spaceexploration/orion.html|url-status=live}} and became part of the Constellation program under NASA administrator Sean O'Keefe.

Constellation proposed using the Orion CEV in both crew and cargo variants to support the International Space Station and as a crew vehicle for a return to the Moon. The crew/command module was originally intended to land on solid ground on the US west coast using airbags but later changed to ocean splashdown, while a service module was included for life support and propulsion. With a diameter of {{convert|5|m|ftin|sp=us}} as opposed to {{convert|3.9|m|ftin|sp=us}}, the Orion CEV would have provided 2.5 times greater volume than the Apollo CM.{{cite press release |title=NASA Names New Crew Exploration Vehicle Orion |publisher=NASA |date=August 22, 2006 |url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/orion/orion_announcement.html |access-date=April 17, 2010 |archive-date=January 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127042715/http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/orion/orion_announcement.html |url-status=live }} The service module was originally planned to use liquid methane (LCH₄) as its fuel, but switched to hypergolic propellants due to the infancy of oxygen/methane-powered rocket technologies and the goal of launching the Orion CEV by 2012.{{cite web |url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2006/10/nasa-sets-orion-13-for-moon-return/ |title=NASA sets Orion 13 for Moon Return |last1=Handlin |first1=Daniel |first2=Chris |last2=Bergin |date=October 11, 2006 |publisher=NASAspaceflight.com |access-date=March 3, 2007 |archive-date=April 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417180537/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2006/10/nasa-sets-orion-13-for-moon-return/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2006/07/nasa-makes-major-design-changes-to-cev/ |title=NASA makes major design changes to CEV |last1=Handlin |first1=Daniel |first2=Chris |last2=Bergin |date=July 22, 2006 |publisher=NASAspaceflight.com |access-date=March 3, 2007 |archive-date=April 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417181858/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2006/07/nasa-makes-major-design-changes-to-cev/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=NASA Names Orion Contractor |publisher=NASA |date=August 31, 2006 |url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/orion/orion_contract.html |access-date=September 5, 2006 |archive-date=November 20, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111120194436/http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/orion/orion_contract.html |url-status=live }}

The Orion CEV was to be launched on the Ares I rocket to low Earth orbit, where it would rendezvous with the Altair lunar lander launched on a heavy-lift Ares V launch vehicle for lunar missions.

NASA performed environmental testing of Orion from 2007 to 2011 at the Glenn Research Center Plum Brook Station in Sandusky, Ohio. The Center's Space Power Facility is the world's largest thermal vacuum chamber.{{cite web |url=http://www.space-travel.com/reports/NASA_Glenn_To_Test_Orion_Crew_Exploration_Vehicle_999.html |title=NASA Glenn To Test Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle |publisher=SpaceDaily |access-date=January 5, 2012 |archive-date=February 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210082146/http://www.space-travel.com/reports/NASA_Glenn_To_Test_Orion_Crew_Exploration_Vehicle_999.html |url-status=live }}

File:Orion CM-LAS stack.jpg test assembled at the NASA Research Center]]

ATK Aerospace successfully completed the first Orion Launch Abort System (LAS) test on November 20, 2008. The LAS motor could provide {{convert|500000|lbf|kN|abbr=on|lk=on}} of thrust in case an emergency situation should arise on the launch pad or during the first {{convert|300000|ft|km|sp=us}} of the rocket's climb to orbit.{{cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/orion/las_nov08.html |title=NASA: Constellation Abort Test November 2008 |publisher=Nasa.gov |date=December 11, 2008 |access-date=November 20, 2010 |archive-date=April 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210408073545/https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/orion/las_nov08.html |url-status=live }}

On March 2, 2009, a full size, full weight command module mockup (pathfinder) began its journey from the Langley Research Center to White Sands Missile Range in southern New Mexico for at-gantry launch vehicle assembly training and for LES testing.{{cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/image_feature_1296.html |title=NASA Orion LAS Pathfinder |publisher=Nasa.gov |access-date=November 20, 2010 |archive-date=April 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210408073549/https://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/image_feature_1296.html |url-status=live }} On May 10, 2010, NASA successfully executed the LES PAD-Abort-1 test at White Sands, launching a boilerplate (mock-up) Orion capsule to an altitude of approximately {{Convert|6000|ft}}. The test used three solid-fuel rocket motors{{spaced ndash}}the main thrust motor, an attitude control motor and the jettison motor.{{cite web |url=http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/05/06/nasa-tests-orion-crew-capsule/ |title=NASA Completes Test of Orion Crew Capsule |publisher=Fox News |date=May 6, 2010 |access-date=April 6, 2013 |archive-date=January 23, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140123124509/http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/05/06/nasa-tests-orion-crew-capsule/ |url-status=dead }}

In 2009, during the Constellation phase of the program, the Post-landing Orion Recovery Test (PORT) was designed to determine and evaluate methods of crew rescue and what kind of motions the astronaut crew could expect after landing, including conditions outside the capsule for the recovery team. The evaluation process supported NASA's design of landing recovery operations including equipment, ship and crew needs.

The PORT Test used a full-scale boilerplate (mock-up) of NASA's Orion crew module and was tested in water under simulated and real weather conditions. Tests began March 23, 2009, with a Navy-built, {{Convert|18000|lb|adj=on}} boilerplate in a test pool. Full sea testing ran April 6–30, 2009, at various locations off the coast of NASA's Kennedy Space Center with media coverage.{{cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2009/mar/HQ_09-068_Orion_PORT_Test.html |title=NASA Orion PORT Test |publisher=Nasa.gov |date=March 25, 2009 |access-date=November 20, 2010 |archive-date=November 24, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124220346/http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2009/mar/HQ_09-068_Orion_PORT_Test.html |url-status=live }}

File:Orion lunar orbit (Sept 2006).jpg

On May 7, 2009, the Obama administration enlisted the Augustine Commission to perform a full independent review of the ongoing NASA space exploration program. The commission found the then-current Constellation Program to be woefully under-budgeted with significant cost overruns, behind schedule by four years or more in several essential components, and unlikely to be capable of meeting any of its scheduled goals.[http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/396093main_HSF_Cmte_FinalReport.pdf Augustine Commission Final Report] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091122095823/http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/396093main_HSF_Cmte_FinalReport.pdf|date=November 22, 2009}}. Published 22 Oct. 2009. Retrieved 14 December 2014.[http://www.addictinginfo.org/2012/06/18/nasa/ NASA in Obama's Hands]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222123316/http://www.addictinginfo.org/2012/06/18/nasa/|date=December 22, 2015}}. Information Addict Website, by Nathaniel Downes. Published 18 June 2012. Retrieved 14 Dec 2014. As a consequence, the commission recommended a significant re-allocation of goals and resources. As one of the many outcomes based on these recommendations, on October 11, 2010, the Constellation program was canceled, ending development of the Altair, Ares I, and Ares V. The Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle survived the cancellation and was transferred to be launched on the Space Launch System.{{cite web|url=http://www.universetoday.com/75522/president-signs-nasa-2010-authorization-act/Universe|title=Today – President Signs NASA 2010 Authorization Act|publisher=Universetoday.com|access-date=November 20, 2010|archive-date=February 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205001235/https://www.universetoday.com/83167/universe-could-be-250-times-bigger-than-what-is-observable/|url-status=live}}

The Orion development program was restructured from three different versions of the Orion capsule, each for a different task,[https://web.archive.org/web/20140705003340/http://www.sciences360.com/index.php/what-is-nasas-constellation-program-12651/ What is NASA's Constellation Program?] archived from [http://www.sciences360.com/index.php/what-is-nasas-constellation-program-12651/ the original] the original Sciences 360 Website, By Tenebris. Discussion of multiple version development of Orion capsule. Published Nov. 17, 2009. Retrieved July 5, 2014. to the development of the MPCV as a single version capable of performing multiple tasks. On December 5, 2014, a developmental Orion spacecraft was successfully launched into space and retrieved at sea after splashdown on the Exploration Flight Test-1 (EFT-1).{{cite web |title=Orion Spacecraft Complete |publisher=NASA |date=October 30, 2014 |url=http://www.nasa.gov/press/2014/october/nasa-s-orion-spacecraft-complete-media-invited-to-learn-more-about-its-first/index.html#.VFLPS74_ypd |access-date=October 30, 2014 |archive-date=October 31, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031010641/http://www.nasa.gov/press/2014/october/nasa-s-orion-spacecraft-complete-media-invited-to-learn-more-about-its-first/index.html#.VFLPS74_ypd |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Fountain |first1=Henry |title=NASA's Orion Spacecraft Splashes Down in Pacific After Test Flight |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/06/science/nasa-orion-spacecraft-lifts-off-into-orbit.html?_r=0 |access-date=December 5, 2014 |work=The New York Times |date=December 5, 2014 |archive-date=December 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213053230/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/06/science/nasa-orion-spacecraft-lifts-off-into-orbit.html?_r=0 |url-status=live }}

Before EFT-1 in December 2014, several preparatory vehicle recovery tests were performed, which continued the "crawl, walk, run" approach established by PORT. The "crawl" phase was performed August 12–16, 2013, with the Stationary Recovery Test (SRT).{{citation needed|date=November 2014}} The SRT demonstrated the recovery hardware and techniques that were to be employed for the recovery of the Orion CM in the protected waters of Naval Station Norfolk using the LPD-17 type USS Arlington as the recovery ship.{{cite web |url=http://www.universetoday.com/104065/nasa-us-navy-test-demonstrates-water-recovery-of-orion-crew-capsule/ |title=NASA & US Navy Test Demonstrates Water Recovery of Orion Crew Capsule |date=August 16, 2013 |publisher=Universetoday.com |access-date=2014-07-15 |archive-date=October 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004083749/http://www.universetoday.com/104065/nasa-us-navy-test-demonstrates-water-recovery-of-orion-crew-capsule/ |url-status=live }}

The "walk" and "run" phases were performed with the Underway Recovery Test (URT). Also using an LPD 17 class ship, the URT was performed in more realistic sea conditions off the coast of California in early 2014 to prepare the US Navy / NASA team for recovering the Exploration Flight Test-1 (EFT-1) Orion CM. The URT tests completed the pre-launch test phase of the Orion recovery system.{{citation needed|date=November 2014}}

File:Delta IV Heavy on pad with Orion EFT-1 (KSC-2014-4686).jpg on top of a Delta IV Heavy]]

Orion Lite is an unofficial name used in the media for a lightweight crew capsule proposed by Bigelow Aerospace in collaboration with Lockheed Martin. It was to be based on the Orion spacecraft that Lockheed Martin was developing for NASA. It was never developed. It was to be a lighter, less capable and a less expensive version of the full Orion.{{cite news|url=https://www.space.com/7137-nevada-company-pitches-lite-concept-nasa-spaceship.html|title=Nevada Company Pitches 'Lite' Concept for NASA's New Spaceship|date=August 14, 2009|access-date=2020-10-17|work=space.com|first=Amy|last=Klamper|archive-date=November 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109032858/https://www.space.com/7137-nevada-company-pitches-lite-concept-nasa-spaceship.html|url-status=live}}

Orion Lite was intended to provide a stripped-down version of the Orion that would be available for missions to the International Space Station earlier than the more capable Orion, which is designed for longer duration missions to the Moon and Mars.{{cite news |url=http://www.nbcnews.com/id/32418057 |title=Company pitches 'lite' spaceship to NASA |work=NBC News |first=Amy |last=Klamper |date=14 August 2009 |access-date=7 September 2009 |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212091400/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/32418057 |url-status=dead }}

Bigelow had begun working with Lockheed Martin in 2004. A few years later Bigelow signed a million-dollar contract to develop "an Orion mockup, an Orion Lite",[http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1719/1 Bigelow still thinks big] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120707091051/http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1719/1 |date=July 7, 2012 }}, The Space Review, 2010-11-01, accessed 2010-11-02. "[In October 2010] Bigelow revealed that he had been working with Lockheed Martin on a capsule concept in the 2004–2005 period. 'We engaged in a million-dollar contract a couple years after that with Lockheed, and they created for us an Orion mockup, an Orion Lite.' in 2009.

The proposed collaboration between Bigelow and Lockheed Martin on the Orion Lite spacecraft has ended.{{when|date=March 2020}} Bigelow began work with Boeing on a similar capsule, the CST-100, which has no Orion heritage, and was one of the two systems selected under NASA's Commercial Crew Development (CCDev) program to transport crew to the ISS.{{Cite news |last=Rincon |first=Paul |date=2021-08-03 |title=Boeing's Starliner spacecraft: A guide |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-57971910 |access-date=2024-10-28 |work=BBC |language=en-GB |archive-date=October 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001230143/https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-57971910 |url-status=live }}

Orion Lite's primary mission would be to transport crew to the International Space Station (ISS), or to private space stations such as the planned B330 from Bigelow Aerospace. While Orion Lite would have the same exterior dimensions as the Orion, there would be no need for the deep space infrastructure present in the Orion configuration. As such, the Orion Lite would have been able to support larger crews of around 7 people as the result of greater habitable interior volume and the reduced weight of equipment needed to support an exclusively low-Earth-orbit configuration.[https://www.popsci.com/category/spacex Space Hotel Visionary Proposes Modified "Orion Lite" Spaceship for NASA: Bigelow Airspace's concept is for low Earth-orbit missions only] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611141506/https://www.popsci.com/military-aviation-amp-space/article/2009-08/space-hotel-visionary-proposes-modified-spaceship-nasa/ |date=June 11, 2020 }}, Popular Science, Jeremy Hsu, 14 August 2009

In order to reduce the weight of Orion Lite, the more durable heat shield of the Orion would be replaced with a lighter weight heat shield designed to support the lower temperatures of Earth atmospheric re-entry from low Earth orbit. Additionally, the current proposal calls for a mid-air retrieval, wherein another aircraft captures the descending Orion Lite module.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}} To date, such a retrieval method has not been employed for crewed spacecraft, although it has been used with satellites.{{cite web |url=https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1960-010A |title=Discoverer 14 – NSSDC ID: 1960-010A |publisher=NASA |access-date=February 8, 2020 |archive-date=June 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611140507/https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1960-010A |url-status=live }}

File:Liftoff of Orion.webm

File:Astronaut preparing to take samples from the captured asteroid.png taking samples from a captured asteroid, with Orion in the background]]

File:Gateway with docked logistics module in lunar orbit.jpg

File:NASA-EarthMoonOrion-Crop-20221128.jpg

{{Main|Artemis program}}

The first crewed flight, Artemis II, will be a lunar flyby.{{cite web |last=Clark |first=Stephen |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2022/04/26/nasas-moon-rocket-rolls-back-to-vehicle-assembly-building-for-repairs/ |title=NASA's moon rocket rolls back to Vehicle Assembly Building for repairs |work=Spaceflight Now |date=26 April 2022 |access-date=26 April 2022 |archive-date=April 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426202127/https://spaceflightnow.com/2022/04/26/nasas-moon-rocket-rolls-back-to-vehicle-assembly-building-for-repairs/ |url-status=live }} Flights are expected to achieve a yearly cadence from Artemis IV onward in 2028.

A proposal curated by William H. Gerstenmaier before his 10 July 2019 reassignment{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2019/07/11/shakeup-nasa-space-agency-scrambles-meet-trump-moon-mandate/?noredirect=on|title=Shakeup at NASA as space agency scrambles to meet Trump moon mandate|last=Davenport|first=Christion|date=10 July 2019|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=10 July 2019|archive-date=July 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711165042/https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2019/07/11/shakeup-nasa-space-agency-scrambles-meet-trump-moon-mandate/?noredirect=on|url-status=live}} suggests four launches of the crewed Orion spacecraft and logistical modules aboard the SLS Block 1B to the Gateway.{{Harvard citation no brackets|Berger|2019|loc="Developed by the agency's senior human spaceflight manager, Bill Gerstenmaier, this plan is everything Pence asked for—an urgent human return, a Moon base, a mix of existing and new contractors."}}{{Harvard citation no brackets|Foust|2019|loc="After Artemis 3, NASA would launch four additional crewed missions to the lunar surface between 2025 and 2028. Meanwhile, the agency would work to expand the Gateway by launching additional components and crew vehicles and laying the foundation for an eventual moon base."}} The crewed Artemis{{nbsp}}4 through{{nbsp}}7 would launch yearly,{{Cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/america_to_the_moon_2024_09-16-2019.pdf|title=America to the Moon 2024|access-date=December 20, 2019|archive-date=July 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726091342/https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/america_to_the_moon_2024_09-16-2019.pdf|url-status=live}} testing in situ resource utilization and nuclear power on the lunar surface with a partially reusable lander. Artemis{{nbsp}}7 would deliver a crew of four astronauts to a surface lunar outpost known as the Lunar Surface Asset. The Lunar Surface Asset would be launched by an undetermined launcher and would be used for extended crewed lunar surface missions.{{Harvard citation no brackets|Berger|2019|loc="This decade-long plan, which entails 37 launches of private and NASA rockets, as well as a mix of robotic and human landers, culminates with a "Lunar Surface Asset Deployment" in 2028, likely the beginning of a surface outpost for long-duration crew stays."}}{{Harvard citation no brackets|Berger|2019|loc=[Illustration] "NASA's "notional" plan for a human return to the Moon by 2024, and an outpost by 2028."}}{{cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |url=https://spacenews.com/independent-report-concludes-2033-human-mars-mission-is-not-feasible/ |title=Independent report concludes 2033 human Mars mission is not feasible |work=SpaceNews |date=April 18, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2021 |archive-date=April 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190421183720/https://spacenews.com/independent-report-concludes-2033-human-mars-mission-is-not-feasible/ |url-status=live }} Another repair mission to the Hubble Space Telescope is also possible.{{Cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=2020-06-15 |title=Hugging Hubble longer |url=https://www.thespacereview.com/article/3965/1 |access-date=2020-06-16 |website=The Space Review |archive-date=June 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200616040203/https://www.thespacereview.com/article/3965/1 |url-status=live }}

File:Orion docked to Mars Transfer Vehicle.jpg

{{further|Human mission to Mars}}

The Orion capsule is designed to support future missions to send astronauts to Mars, probably to take place in the 2030s. Since the Orion capsule provides only about {{convert|2.25|m3|0|abbr=on}} of living space per crew member,{{cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/510449main_SLS_MPCV_90-day_Report.pdf |title=Preliminary Report Regarding NASA's Space Launch System and Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle |date=January 2011 |publisher=NASA |access-date=June 18, 2011 |archive-date=February 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213215905/https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/510449main_SLS_MPCV_90-day_Report.pdf |url-status=live }} the use of an additional Deep Space Habitat (DSH) module featuring propulsion will be needed for long-duration missions. The complete spacecraft stack is known as the Deep Space Transport.[https://www.inverse.com/article/29948-nasa-deep-space-gateway-transport-architectures-mars-travel NASA Unveils the Keys to Getting Astronauts to Mars and Beyond] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111205404/https://www.inverse.com/article/29948-nasa-deep-space-gateway-transport-architectures-mars-travel |date=November 11, 2020 }}. Neel V. Patel, The Inverse. April 4, 2017. The habitat module will provide additional space and supplies, as well as facilitate spacecraft maintenance, mission communications, exercise, training, and personal recreation.[http://csc.caltech.edu/references/RuckerThompson_DeepSpaceHab.pdf Habitat for Long Duration Deep Space Missions]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920040356/http://www.csc.caltech.edu/references/RuckerThompson_DeepSpaceHab.pdf|date=September 20, 2015}}. Preliminary design proposal for DSH by Rucker & Thompson. Published 5 May 2012, retrieved 8 December 2014. Some concepts for DSH modules would provide approximately {{convert|70.0|m3|0|abbr=on}} of living space per crew member, though the DSH module is in its early conceptual stage. DSH sizes and configurations may vary slightly, depending on crew and mission needs.[http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/technology/deep_space_habitat/xhab/xhab-2012-progress.html#.VIaUHkc8KrU 2012 X-Hab Academic Innovation Challenge Progress Update]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320175143/http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/technology/deep_space_habitat/xhab/xhab-2012-progress.html#.VIaUHkc8KrU|date=March 20, 2015}}. NASA DSH design news update. Published June 21, 2012, retrieved 8 Dec. 2014. The mission may launch in the mid-2030s or late-2030s.

{{main|Asteroid Redirect Mission}}

The Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM), also known as the Asteroid Retrieval and Utilization (ARU) mission and the Asteroid Initiative, was a space mission proposed by NASA in 2013. The Asteroid Retrieval Robotic Mission (ARRM) spacecraft would rendezvous with a large near-Earth asteroid and use robotic arms with anchoring grippers to retrieve a 4-meter boulder from the asteroid. A secondary objective was to develop the required technology to bring a small near-Earth asteroid into lunar orbit – "the asteroid was a bonus." There, it could be analyzed by the crew of the Orion EM-5 or EM-6 ARCM mission in 2026.{{cite news |last1=Foust |first1=Jeff |date=June 14, 2017 |title=NASA closing out Asteroid Redirect Mission |url=http://spacenews.com/nasa-closing-out-asteroid-redirect-mission/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20170615143924/http://spacenews.com/nasa-closing-out-asteroid-redirect-mission/ |archive-date=June 15, 2017 |access-date=September 9, 2017 |work=Space News}}

{{Portal|Spaceflight|Solar System}}

• {{annotated link|List of crewed spacecraft}}
• {{annotated link|NASA Authorization Act of 2010}}
• {{annotated link|Space policy of the Barack Obama administration}}

{{Include-NASA}}

{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

{{reflist|30em|refs=

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{{Commons category|Orion (spacecraft)}}

• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCvpHetRx5k AA-2 Orion Launch video]
• {{Official website|https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/orion-spacecraft/}}
• [http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Human_Spaceflight/Highlights/Orion ESA Photo Gallery]
• [http://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/leag2013/presentations/alkalai.pdf Mission concept for combined Orion/Sample return]

{{Orion program}}

{{Artemis program}}

{{Project Constellation}}

{{NASA navbox}}

{{Moon spacecraft}}

{{Crewed lunar spacecraft}}

{{Crewed spacecraft}}

{{Future spaceflights}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Orion (Spacecraft)}}

Category:Crewed spacecraft

Category:Proposed spacecraft

Category:Deep Space Habitat

Category:Artemis program

Category:Articles containing video clips

Category:Vehicles introduced in 2014

Category:Reusable spacecraft

Category:Lunar Gateway

Category:NASA spacecraft

By May 2020, the ESA had signed an agreement with NASA to provide three service modules for Artemis as part of its barter arrangement with NASA to be a member of the Artemis program. The ESMs cost approximately {{Euro|250 million}} each to acquire from Airbus, not counting the costs incurred by the ESA directly. The third ESM is slated to fly in 2024.{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/1265221856333873153 |title=ESA signs ~ EUR 250M ($305M) w/ @AirbusSpace to build 3rd Orion service module as part of existing barter agreement with @NASA. This model will fly in 2024 in the NASA Artemis mission sending astronauts to Moon. ESA funds were approved at last November's council of ESA govts. |last=de Selding |first=Peter |date=26 May 2020 |access-date=26 May 2020 |archive-date=May 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200526132423/https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/1265221856333873153 |url-status=live }}