Orion Program Update:Launch Windows Set for Artemis I Mission - plus a closer look at the Orion capsule

On 2 July 2022,the complete Space Launch System rocket/Orion spacecraft stack for the uncrewed Artemis I test flight arrived back at the Kennedy Space Center Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB).It had completed the wet dress rehearsal,or fueling test,at Launch Complex 39B and been moved on the crawler transporter to the VAB.NASA teams extended access platforms around the stacked vehicles to facilitate final preparations for launch.The preferred launch windows for the mission are from 23-29 August and 2-6 September 2022.Artemis I involves sending the Orion crew module and European Service Module (ESM) on a journey 40,000 miles/64,373.6 kilometers past the Moon,the farthest a human-rated spacecraft has ever been from Earth.Three manikins will be strapped into the capsule to provide data on what the astronauts will experience on Orion.* In the VAB,technicians are inspecting,fixing and checking out equipment associated with a seal of the tail service mast umbilical that leaked during the 20 June wet dress rehearsal.Engineers are examining the area where they will replace two seals on the quick disconnect hardware.Engineers have already completed the last remaining engineering test that is part of the VAB integrated testing operations.In other work,engineers swapped out a computer on the Boeing Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) called the Inertial Navigation and Control Assembly unit and replaced it with the actual flight computer,which will be tested next week.The new flight unit has freshly calibrated inertial navigation sensors and updated software to guide and navigate the upper stage during flight,the NASA Artemis blog indicated.Technicians have also been activating numerous batteries for the SLS rocket elements,such as those on the Solid Rocket Boosters and ICPS.Still to come is activation of batteries for the SLS Core Stage and the installation of all batteries.Batteries power the rocket elements in the final countdown moments and during ascent on launch day.As well,enginners charged batteries for the secondary payloads located on the Orion Stage Adapter.In coming weeks,they will install the payloads inside the Orion spacecraft,NASA said.* The Orion capsule,which forms the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (OCMPV) with the ESM,is uniquely designed for deep space exploration.It can accomodate a crew of four for up to 21 days on journeys to the Moon and lunar orbiting Gateway space station.Eventually,the Orion spacecraft will play a key role in sending humans to Mars.Together with the ESM,the capsule offers advanced technology for deep space missions that will provide life support,avionics,power systems and state-of-the-art thermal protection during launch,landing and recovery.* A backbone assembly of crisscrossing aluminum beams in the Orion capsule provides the floor structure where crew seats are attached and crew storage lockers are located.Touch screen control panels eliminate the need for paper manuals and toggle switches.Water tanks and a dispenser will provide drinking water and facilitate rehydration and warming of food.A hygiene bay contains a new compact toilet with advanced design making it easier to use for both men and women,while a built in exercise device provides both aerobic and strength training.Two large storage lockers on the floor of the capsule serve as shelters during a radiation event such as solar flares,using dense materials on board for shielding.The Orion crew module is 50% larger than the Apollo capsule.* Lockheed Martin is prime contractor for the Orion spacecraft and Airbus Defence and Space builds the ESM.Thales Alenia Space makes thermomechanical contributions to the ESM,including micrometeoroid protection.* Lockheed Martin (LMT),Boeing (BA),Airbus Group (EADSY) US:OTC

Orion Program Update-what are they working on and when will it launch?

As far as NASA and partner ESA are concerned,it's full speed ahead for the Orion Program-not just for test flight Exploration Mission-1,but even for EM-2,the first crewed mission of Orion.The Orion Crew Module is currently being processed for EM-1,the first integrated mission of Orion and the new Space Launch System rocket,the most powerful rocket ever built.The capsule has been in the clean room of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at Kennedy Space Center,Florida,where critical systems such as propellant lines,Environmental Control and life support systems are being installed.In the building's high bay,a number of test stands,processing bays and other hardware have been laid out.Several Orion components such as Thermal Protection Panels are in various stages of processing there,NASA said.
The Orion Crew Module will be launched from Pad 39B in 2019 on EM-1.A three-week flight will take it some 40,000 miles beyond the Moon into cislunar space,the farthest a human-rated spacecraft has ever flown.After a fiery re-entry,it will splash down in the Pacific.*
Meanwhile,in Europe the European Space Agency Orion Service Module is being processed for EM-1 and will be shipped to KSC in 2018.Additionally,the second ESA OSM,for EM-2,is being constructed by ESA contractor Thales Alenia in Turin,Italy.The ESA OSMs provide power,propulsion,cooling,water and oxygen to the Crew Module.*
The purpose of the Exploration Missions is to build and test the systems needed for the challenging deep space missions to the Mars system and beyond in the 2030s,in concert with NASA's domestic and international partners.The vision taking shape involves constructing the Deep Space Gateway,a small space station that will facilitate further crewed and robotic cislunar missions on the way to Mars.There may be about five crewed lunar landing missions in the 2020s as well as robotic counterparts,evaluating commercial prospects on the Moon as well as increasing the scientific knowledge base about our only natural satellite,while preparing for longer duration space flight more independent of Earth.*
The other major component of Orion,the Space Launch System,has been making similar progress.According to John Honeycutt,SLS Program Manager at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville,Alabama:
This year,the SLS team has constructed major parts of the rocket,such as the in-space stage,which is already at NASA's KSC in Florida;the four RS-25 engines;core stage structures;and solid rocket booster segments.The rocket is happening now.The SLS has made great progress and has an exciting year ahead as NASA conducts critical structure tests at Marshall,assembles the core stage and the RS-25 engines at the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility,New Orleans,and delivers more hardware to the launch pad at Kennedy.