Orion test capsule coming to NM

Posted at: 08/18/2009 7:42 AM
By: The Associated Press

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) - Engineers at a NASA research center in California are putting the finishing touches on the Orion crew test module that will be used early next year at White Sands Missile Range.

The Orion is the capsule being designed to take people back to the moon.

The tests are aimed at Orion's launch-abort system, which will whisk astronauts and the capsule to safety in case of a problem on the launch pad, such as a fire, or during the climb to orbit.

Tests will be conducted without anyone inside the capsule.

NASA officials say the test module will be flown next week to Holloman Air Force Base, then taken by flatbed truck to White Sands.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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