NASA sets a date for the launch of the SLS heavy rocket with the Orion spacecraft to the moon
NASA has set the next launch date for its Super Heavy Space (SLS ) rocket with its Orion spacecraft to the moon on February 12, 2022, according to Spaceflight Now.
The splash window will open for 15 days. Additional launch windows are available March 12-27 and April 8-23.
As part of the unmanned Artemis 1 mission, the spacecraft must fly around a natural Earth satellite. Depending on the relative positions of the Moon and Earth at the time of the launch of the rocket, the duration of the mission will be from three to six weeks.
Thus, NASA plans to test the readiness of the SLS and Orion for the Artemis 2 mission , which includes a spacecraft with four astronauts flying around the Moon.
In July 2019, Mike Pence, while serving as Vice President of the United States, announced that the US lunar program involves a constant presence of astronauts on Earth's natural satellite. At the same time, NASA reported that the reusable Orion spacecraft for the Artemis 1 lunar mission was ready.
What is the Orion spacecraft?
Orion (officially Orion Multipurpose Crew Vehicle or Orion MPCV) is a class of partially reusable space capsule used in NASA's manned spaceflight programs. The spacecraft consists of a Crew Module (CM) designed by Lockheed Martin and a European Service Module (ESM) built by Airbus Defense and Space. Capable of supporting a crew of six beyond low Earth orbit, Orion can dock for up to 21 uninterrupted days and six months. It's equipped with solar panels, an automated docking system, and a glass cockpit interface is modeled after the interface used on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. A single AJ10 engine provides primary thrust for the spacecraft, while eight R-4D-11 engines and six capsules of Airbus' custom-developed Reaction Control System engine provide secondary thrust for the spacecraft.
Orion was originally conceived [When? ] by Lockheed Martin as a proposal for a Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) for use in the NASA Constellation Program. Lockheed Martin's proposal defeated a competing proposal from Northrop Grumman, and was selected by NASA as the CEV in 2006. Originally designed with a service module featuring a new "Orion main engine" and a pair of circular solar panels, the spacecraft was designated Ares I. The missile was to be launched over it. After the Constellation program was canceled in 2010, Orion was significantly redesigned for use in NASA's Journey to Mars initiative. Later it was named from Moon to Mars. The SLS replaced Ares I as Orion's main launch vehicle, and the service module was replaced with a design based on the European Space Agency's Automated Transfer Vehicle. While an upgraded version of Orion' was released. s CM during the Exploration Flight Test-1 in 2014, at least four test articles were produced. As of 2020, three Orion spacecraft are eligible to fly under construction, with one additional order,[a] for use in NASA's Artemis program; The first of them is scheduled to launch at Artemis 1 in 2021. On November 30, 2020, it was reported that NASA and Lockheed Martin had detected a malfunction in a component of one of the Orion spacecraft's power data units, but NASA later clarified that it had not reported the problem for the Artemis 1 launch. Not expected to be affected. [9] [10] On November 30, 2020, it was reported that NASA and Lockheed Martin had detected a malfunction in a component of one of the Orion spacecraft's power data units, but NASA later clarified that it had not reported the problem to the Artemis 1 launch date. It is not expected to be affected. ] On November 30, 2020, it was reported that NASA and Lockheed Martin had detected a malfunction in a component of one of the Orion spacecraft's power data units, but NASA later clarified that it had not reported the problem to the Artemis 1 launch date. It is not expected to be affected.
Spacecraft details Orion spacecraft
Orion uses the same basic configuration as the Apollo Command and Service Module (CSM) that once took astronauts to the Moon, but with an increased diameter, updated thermal protection systems, and many other modern technologies. It will be able to support long-duration deep space missions with an active crew time of up to 21 days in addition to the spacecraft's lifespan of 6 months. Crew life support will be provided by other units such as the proposed Deep Space Habitat during the silent period. As new technologies become available, spacecraft life support systems, propulsion, thermal protection, and avionics can be upgraded.
The Orion spacecraft includes both a crew and service module, a spacecraft converter and an emergency launch abort system. Orion's crew unit is larger than the Apollo, and can support more crew members for shorter or longer duration missions. Since the European service module propels and supplies spacecraft for astronauts in addition to storing oxygen and water, Orion relies on solar power rather than fuel cells that allow for longer missions.
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