Image: Orion prepares to move to launch pad
Thursday, November 6, 2014 - 09:00
in Astronomy & Space
On Dec. 4, Orion is scheduled to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Space Launch Complex 37 in Florida. During the test, Orion will travel 3,600 miles in altitude above Earth. 4 1/2 hours later, the spacecraft will reenter the atmosphere at 20,000 mph and splash down in the Pacific Ocean. Orion's first flight will verify launch and high-speed reentry systems such as avionics, attitude control, parachutes and the heat shield.