NASA provided some new information about the first flight test for its Space Launch System (SLS) with the Orion spacecraft, called Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1). The agency did it in the occasion of the arrival to the Space Power Facility (SPF) in Sandusky, Ohio, of the test version of the Orion’s service module built by ESA known as European Service Module (ESM). This will allow NASA to begin testing the new spacecraft in its full configuration, a crucial step in the preparation of the EM-1 mission.
NASA is developing the rocket and spaceship Orion for its new space program that includes astronauts traveling beyond Earth orbit to reach Mars. Over the years there have been several changes in the program and it’s unclear when it will leave for the flight test EM-1. However, on December 5, 2014 the first test of the Orion was carried out, although in a configuration without the service module.
ESA used the experience accumulated with its ATV cargo spacecraft to build the service module, its contribution to the Orion spacecraft. A test version of this module arrived in the USA a few weeks ago and finally reached the SPF, where it will be integrated into the other part of the Orion to be subjected to a series of strict tests.
The service module will provide the Orion spacecraft propulsion, electricity through solar panels, air and water for the astronauts. However, in the EM-1 test mission the Orion will travel without humans on board. This will be an extremely hard test which will exceed many limitations compared to past missions so NASA wants to make sure that the Orion can withstand all the stresses before allowing astronauts to travel on it.
The EM-1 mission will have a total duration of about three weeks, more than any spacecraft did without stopping at a space station. After being launched atop the SLS rocket, the Orion spacecraft will fly to the lunar orbit, passing about 100 km (about 62 miles) above the Moon’s surface.
The Orion will use the lunar gravity to propel approximately 70,000 kilometers (about 40,000 miles) beyond it and after several days of tests will begin its return trip to the Earth. At this stage, it will reach the planet at a speed of about 11 km/s (about 25,000 mph) and its heat shield is expected to have to withstand a temperature of almost 2,800° Celsius (about 5,000°0 Fahrenhei) before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.
During all phases of the EM-1 mission, the various systems of the Orion spacecraft will be tested. If all goes well, a manned mission will be set up, perhaps the one called Asteroid Redirect Mission. Given the delays already accumulated, NASA didn’t provide dates for the EM-1 mission but it could take place in 2018.
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