flight

nasa

kennedy space center

air force

rocket

station

cape canaveral

approaches

costs, flight

174 media by topic ∙ page 1 of 2
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a technician monitors equipment during testing of the Ares I-X Roll Control System, or RoCS. The RoCS Servicing Simulation Test is to gather data that will be used to help certify the ground support equipment design and validate the servicing requirements and processes. The RoCS is part of the Interstage structure, the lowest axial segment of the Upper Stage Simulator. In an effort to reduce costs and meet the schedule, most of the ground support equipment that will be used for the RoCS servicing is of space shuttle heritage. This high-fidelity servicing simulation will provide confidence that servicing requirements can be met with the heritage system. At the same time, the test will gather process data that will be used to modify or refine the equipment and processes to be used for the actual flight element. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0085

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a technician monitors equipment during testing of the Ares I-X Roll Control System, or RoCS. The RoCS Serv... More

Former President Ronald Reagan and his wife, Nancy, disembark a Boeing 747 commercial aircraft upon their arrival in Tokyo. Spouses, dependents and parents of 225 military personnel stationed in Japan joined the former first family on the trip. Dubbed the Reagan Friendship Flight, the effort was organized in conjunction with the United Services Organization and the Air Force and gave families of military personnel an opportunity to visit their loved ones at greatly reduced costs. Family members were only required to pay traveling expenses to Los Angeles, their departure point

Former President Ronald Reagan and his wife, Nancy, disembark a Boeing...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Tokyo Country: Japan(JPN) Scene Camera Operator: SSGT John Mcdowell Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

NASA -----SPACE TRANSPORTATION. NASA public domain image colelction.

NASA -----SPACE TRANSPORTATION. NASA public domain image colelction.

This photograph depicts an air-breathing rocket engine prototype in the test bay at the General Applied Science Lab facility in Ronkonkoma, New York. Air-breathing engines, known as rocket based, combined-cycle... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a technician adjusts equipment during testing of the Ares I-X Roll Control System, or RoCS. The RoCS Servicing Simulation Test is to gather data that will be used to help certify the ground support equipment design and validate the servicing requirements and processes. The RoCS is part of the Interstage structure, the lowest axial segment of the Upper Stage Simulator. In an effort to reduce costs and meet the schedule, most of the ground support equipment that will be used for the RoCS servicing is of space shuttle heritage. This high-fidelity servicing simulation will provide confidence that servicing requirements can be met with the heritage system. At the same time, the test will gather process data that will be used to modify or refine the equipment and processes to be used for the actual flight element. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0087

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a technician adjusts equipment during testing of the Ares I-X Roll Control System, or RoCS. The RoCS Servi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a technician adjusts equipment during testing of the Ares I-X Roll Control System, or RoCS. The RoCS Servicing Simulation Test is to gather data that will be used to help certify the ground support equipment design and validate the servicing requirements and processes. The RoCS is part of the Interstage structure, the lowest axial segment of the Upper Stage Simulator. In an effort to reduce costs and meet the schedule, most of the ground support equipment that will be used for the RoCS servicing is of space shuttle heritage. This high-fidelity servicing simulation will provide confidence that servicing requirements can be met with the heritage system. At the same time, the test will gather process data that will be used to modify or refine the equipment and processes to be used for the actual flight element. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0091

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a technician adjusts equipment during testing of the Ares I-X Roll Control System, or RoCS. The RoCS Servic... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians monitor equipment during testing of the Ares I-X Roll Control System, or RoCS. The RoCS Servicing Simulation Test is to gather data that will be used to help certify the ground support equipment design and validate the servicing requirements and processes. The RoCS is part of the Interstage structure, the lowest axial segment of the Upper Stage Simulator. In an effort to reduce costs and meet the schedule, most of the ground support equipment that will be used for the RoCS servicing is of space shuttle heritage. This high-fidelity servicing simulation will provide confidence that servicing requirements can be met with the heritage system. At the same time, the test will gather process data that will be used to modify or refine the equipment and processes to be used for the actual flight element. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0092

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians monitor equipment during testing of the Ares I-X Roll Control System, or RoCS. The RoCS Servic... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians monitor equipment during testing of the Ares I-X Roll Control System, or RoCS. The RoCS Servicing Simulation Test is to gather data that will be used to help certify the ground support equipment design and validate the servicing requirements and processes. The RoCS is part of the Interstage structure, the lowest axial segment of the Upper Stage Simulator. In an effort to reduce costs and meet the schedule, most of the ground support equipment that will be used for the RoCS servicing is of space shuttle heritage. This high-fidelity servicing simulation will provide confidence that servicing requirements can be met with the heritage system. At the same time, the test will gather process data that will be used to modify or refine the equipment and processes to be used for the actual flight element. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0088

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians monitor equipment during testing of the Ares I-X Roll Control System, or RoCS. The RoCS Servi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, elements of the ARES I-X Roll Control System, or RoCS, will undergo testing. The RoCS Servicing Simulation Test is to gather data that will be used to help certify the ground support equipment design and validate the servicing requirements and processes. The RoCS is part of the Interstage structure, the lowest axial segment of the Upper Stage Simulator. In an effort to reduce costs and meet the schedule, most of the ground support equipment that will be used for the RoCS servicing is of space shuttle heritage. This high-fidelity servicing simulation will provide confidence that servicing requirements can be met with the heritage system. At the same time, the test will gather process data that will be used to modify or refine the equipment and processes to be used for the actual flight element. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0081

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, elements of the ARES I-X Roll Control System, or RoCS, will undergo testing. The RoCS Servicing Simulation... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, some of the internal elements seen here of the ARES I-X Roll Control System, or RoCS, will undergo testing. The RoCS Servicing Simulation Test is to gather data that will be used to help certify the ground support equipment design and validate the servicing requirements and processes. The RoCS is part of the Interstage structure, the lowest axial segment of the Upper Stage Simulator. In an effort to reduce costs and meet the schedule, most of the ground support equipment that will be used for the RoCS servicing is of space shuttle heritage. This high-fidelity servicing simulation will provide confidence that servicing requirements can be met with the heritage system. At the same time, the test will gather process data that will be used to modify or refine the equipment and processes to be used for the actual flight element. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0082

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, some of the internal elements seen here of the ARES I-X Roll Control System, or RoCS, will undergo testing.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a technician (right) adjusts equipment during testing of the Ares I-X Roll Control System, or RoCS. The RoCS Servicing Simulation Test is to gather data that will be used to help certify the ground support equipment design and validate the servicing requirements and processes. The RoCS is part of the Interstage structure, the lowest axial segment of the Upper Stage Simulator. In an effort to reduce costs and meet the schedule, most of the ground support equipment that will be used for the RoCS servicing is of space shuttle heritage. This high-fidelity servicing simulation will provide confidence that servicing requirements can be met with the heritage system. At the same time, the test will gather process data that will be used to modify or refine the equipment and processes to be used for the actual flight element. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0090

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a technician (right) adjusts equipment during testing of the Ares I-X Roll Control System, or RoCS. The RoC... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians monitor equipment during testing of the Ares I-X Roll Control System, or RoCS. The RoCS Servicing Simulation Test is to gather data that will be used to help certify the ground support equipment design and validate the servicing requirements and processes. The RoCS is part of the Interstage structure, the lowest axial segment of the Upper Stage Simulator. In an effort to reduce costs and meet the schedule, most of the ground support equipment that will be used for the RoCS servicing is of space shuttle heritage. This high-fidelity servicing simulation will provide confidence that servicing requirements can be met with the heritage system. At the same time, the test will gather process data that will be used to modify or refine the equipment and processes to be used for the actual flight element. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0089

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians monitor equipment during testing of the Ares I-X Roll Control System, or RoCS. The RoCS Servic... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians look at some of the elements to be tested in the Ares I-X Roll Control System, or RoCS. The RoCS Servicing Simulation Test is to gather data that will be used to help certify the ground support equipment design and validate the servicing requirements and processes. The RoCS is part of the Interstage structure, the lowest axial segment of the Upper Stage Simulator. In an effort to reduce costs and meet the schedule, most of the ground support equipment that will be used for the RoCS servicing is of space shuttle heritage. This high-fidelity servicing simulation will provide confidence that servicing requirements can be met with the heritage system. At the same time, the test will gather process data that will be used to modify or refine the equipment and processes to be used for the actual flight element. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0083

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians look at some of the elements to be tested in the Ares I-X Roll Control System, or RoCS. The RoC... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians get ready to begin testing elements of the Ares I-X Roll Control System, or RoCS. The RoCS Servicing Simulation Test is to gather data that will be used to help certify the ground support equipment design and validate the servicing requirements and processes. The RoCS is part of the Interstage structure, the lowest axial segment of the Upper Stage Simulator. In an effort to reduce costs and meet the schedule, most of the ground support equipment that will be used for the RoCS servicing is of space shuttle heritage. This high-fidelity servicing simulation will provide confidence that servicing requirements can be met with the heritage system. At the same time, the test will gather process data that will be used to modify or refine the equipment and processes to be used for the actual flight element. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0084

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the hypergolic maintenance facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians get ready to begin testing elements of the Ares I-X Roll Control System, or RoCS. The RoCS Serv... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two of the three United Launch Alliance Delta IV heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, mission with the Orion spacecraft, have arrived by barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida. The core booster and starboard booster are being offloaded and will be transported to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The port booster and the upper stage are planned to be shipped to Cape Canaveral in April. At the HIF, all three boosters will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-1573

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two of the three United Launch Alliance Delta I...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two of the three United Launch Alliance Delta IV heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, mission with the Orion spacecraft, have arrived by barge at the U.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge arrives at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, carrying the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, mission with the Orion spacecraft. They will be offloaded in their containers and transported to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2415

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge arrives at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge arrives at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, carrying the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Al... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- After arriving by barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, mission with the Orion spacecraft, were offloaded in their containers. They were transported to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2427

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- After arriving by barge at the U.S. Army Outpo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- After arriving by barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch All... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge has arrived at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, carrying the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, mission with the Orion spacecraft. They are being offloaded in their containers for transport to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2420

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge has arrived at the U.S. Army Outpost w...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge has arrived at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, carrying the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launc... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, mission with the Orion spacecraft, have been transported in their containers to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida for uncrating. The segments arrived by barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2431

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The second stage, port booster and spacecraft ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge has arrived at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, carrying the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, mission with the Orion spacecraft. The segments are being offloaded in their containers for transport to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2421

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge has arrived at the U.S. Army Outpost w...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge has arrived at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, carrying the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launc... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, mission with the Orion spacecraft, have been transported in their containers to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida for uncrating. The segments arrived by barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2429

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The second stage, port booster and spacecraft ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, mission with the Orion spacecraft, have been transported in their containers to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Inside the facility, technicians uncrate the upper stage. The segments arrived by barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2433

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The second stage, port booster and spacecraft ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, mission with the Orion spacecraft, have been transported in their containers to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Inside the facility, technicians uncrate the port booster. The segments arrived by barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2434

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The second stage, port booster and spacecraft ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- After arriving by barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, mission with the Orion spacecraft, were offloaded in their containers. They are being transported to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2424

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- After arriving by barge at the U.S. Army Outpo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- After arriving by barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch All... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge has arrived at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, carrying the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, mission with the Orion spacecraft. They are being offloaded in their containers for transport to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2419

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge has arrived at the U.S. Army Outpost w...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge has arrived at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, carrying the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launc... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, mission with the Orion spacecraft, have been transported in their containers to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Inside the facility, technicians uncrate the upper stage. The segments arrived by barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2432

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The second stage, port booster and spacecraft ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge arrives at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, carrying the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, mission with the Orion spacecraft. They will be offloaded in their containers and transported to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2414

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge arrives at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge arrives at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, carrying the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Al... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge has arrived at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, carrying the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, mission with the Orion spacecraft. They are being offloaded in their containers for transport to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2417

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge has arrived at the U.S. Army Outpost w...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge has arrived at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, carrying the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launc... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- After arriving by barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, mission with the Orion spacecraft, were offloaded in their containers. They are being transported to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2426

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- After arriving by barge at the U.S. Army Outpo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- After arriving by barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch All... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, mission with the Orion spacecraft, have been transported in their containers to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida for uncrating. The segments arrived by barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2430

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The second stage, port booster and spacecraft ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge has arrived at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, carrying the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, mission with the Orion spacecraft. The segments are being offloaded in their containers for transport to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2422

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge has arrived at the U.S. Army Outpost w...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge has arrived at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, carrying the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launc... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge has arrived at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, carrying the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, mission with the Orion spacecraft. They are being offloaded in their containers for transport to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2418

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge has arrived at the U.S. Army Outpost w...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge has arrived at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, carrying the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launc... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- After arriving by barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, mission with the Orion spacecraft, were offloaded in their containers. They are being transported to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2423

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- After arriving by barge at the U.S. Army Outpo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- After arriving by barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch All... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- After arriving by barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, mission with the Orion spacecraft, were offloaded in their containers. They are being transported to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2425

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- After arriving by barge at the U.S. Army Outpo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- After arriving by barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch All... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, mission with the Orion spacecraft, have been transported in their containers to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The segments arrived by barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2428

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The second stage, port booster and spacecraft ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge arrives at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, carrying the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy boosters for NASA’s upcoming Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, mission with the Orion spacecraft. They will be offloaded in their containers and transported to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2416

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge arrives at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A barge arrives at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida, carrying the second stage, port booster and spacecraft adapter, the remaining stages for the United Launch Al... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, is being offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida and will be transported to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The upper stage and spacecraft adapter arrived with the booster and were transported to the HIF on May 6. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2542

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Allianc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, is being offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A transporter for oversize loads carries the port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, to Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station after it was offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida. The booster will be transported to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at the launch complex. The upper stage and spacecraft adapter arrived with the booster and were transported to the HIF on May 6. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2553

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A transporter for oversize loads carries the p...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A transporter for oversize loads carries the port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, to Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canave... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, is being offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida and will be transported to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The upper stage and spacecraft adapter arrived with the booster and were transported to the HIF on May 6. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2543

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Allianc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, is being offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, is being offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida and will be transported to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The upper stage and spacecraft adapter arrived with the booster and were transported to the HIF on May 6. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2541

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Allianc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, is being offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, has been offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida and will be transported to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The upper stage and spacecraft adapter arrived with the booster and were transported to the HIF on May 6. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2548

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Allianc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, has been offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, has been offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida and is being transported to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The upper stage and spacecraft adapter arrived with the booster and were transported to the HIF on May 6. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2551

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Allianc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, has been offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A transporter for oversize loads carries the port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The upper stage and spacecraft adapter arrived with the booster on a barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral, and were transported to the HIF on May 6. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2557

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A transporter for oversize loads carries the p...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A transporter for oversize loads carries the port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, to the Horizontal Integration Facility, o... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, is being offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida and will be transported to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The upper stage and spacecraft adapter arrived with the booster and were transported to the HIF on May 6. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2545

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Allianc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, is being offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A transporter for oversize loads carries the port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, to Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station after it was offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida. The booster will be transported to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at the launch complex. The upper stage and spacecraft adapter arrived with the booster and were transported to the HIF on May 6. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2555

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A transporter for oversize loads carries the p...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A transporter for oversize loads carries the port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, to Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canave... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, has been offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida and will be transported to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The upper stage and spacecraft adapter arrived with the booster and were transported to the HIF on May 6. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2547

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Allianc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, has been offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A transporter for oversize loads carries the port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, to Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station after it was offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida. The booster will be transported to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at the launch complex. The upper stage and spacecraft adapter arrived with the booster and were transported to the HIF on May 6. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2554

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A transporter for oversize loads carries the p...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A transporter for oversize loads carries the port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, to Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canave... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, is being offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida and will be transported to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The upper stage and spacecraft adapter arrived with the booster and were transported to the HIF on May 6. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2540

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Allianc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, is being offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, has been offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida and is being transported to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The upper stage and spacecraft adapter arrived with the booster and were transported to the HIF on May 6. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2550

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Allianc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, has been offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, has been offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida and will be transported to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The upper stage and spacecraft adapter arrived with the booster and were transported to the HIF on May 6. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2546

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Allianc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, has been offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A transporter for oversize loads carries the port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The upper stage and spacecraft adapter arrived with the booster on a barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral, and were transported to the HIF on May 6. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2556

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A transporter for oversize loads carries the p...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A transporter for oversize loads carries the port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, to the Horizontal Integration Facility, o... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A transporter for oversize loads carries the port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, into the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The port booster joins the other two boosters of the Delta IV Heavy already in the HIF. The upper stage and spacecraft adapter arrived with the booster on a barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral, and were transported to the HIF on May 6. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2559

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A transporter for oversize loads carries the p...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A transporter for oversize loads carries the port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, into the Horizontal Integration Facility,... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A transporter for oversize loads carries the port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, into the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The port booster joins the other two boosters of the Delta IV Heavy already in the HIF. The upper stage and spacecraft adapter arrived with the booster on a barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral, and were transported to the HIF on May 6. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2560

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A transporter for oversize loads carries the p...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A transporter for oversize loads carries the port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, into the Horizontal Integration Facility,... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, is being offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida and will be transported to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The upper stage and spacecraft adapter arrived with the booster and were transported to the HIF on May 6. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2539

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Allianc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, is being offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, is being offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida and will be transported to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The upper stage and spacecraft adapter arrived with the booster and were transported to the HIF on May 6. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2544

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Allianc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, is being offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, has been offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida and will be transported to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The upper stage and spacecraft adapter arrived with the booster and were transported to the HIF on May 6. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2549

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Allianc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, has been offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A transporter for oversize loads carries the port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, to Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station after it was offloaded from the barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida. The booster will be transported to the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at the launch complex. The upper stage and spacecraft adapter arrived with the booster and were transported to the HIF on May 6. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2552

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A transporter for oversize loads carries the p...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A transporter for oversize loads carries the port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, to Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canave... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A transporter for oversize loads carries the port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, into the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The port booster joins the other two boosters of the Delta IV Heavy already in the HIF. The upper stage and spacecraft adapter arrived with the booster on a barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral, and were transported to the HIF on May 6. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2558

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A transporter for oversize loads carries the p...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A transporter for oversize loads carries the port booster for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, into the Horizontal Integration Facility,... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the upper stage for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, has been removed from its transportation container and will be lowered onto a cradle. The upper stage, along with the port booster and spacecraft adapter arrived by barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida and were transported to the HIF. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2565

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Horizontal Integration Facility, or...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the upper stage for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Hea... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the upper stage for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, has been removed from its transportation container and will be lowered onto a cradle. The upper stage, along with the port booster and spacecraft adapter arrived by barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida and were transported to the HIF. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2564

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Horizontal Integration Facility, or...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the upper stage for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Hea... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the upper stage for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, is being prepared for removal from its transportation container. The upper stage, along with the port booster and spacecraft adapter arrived by barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida and were transported to the HIF. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2562

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Horizontal Integration Facility, or...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the upper stage for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Hea... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the upper stage for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, is being prepared for removal from its transportation container. The upper stage, along with the port booster and spacecraft adapter arrived by barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida and were transported to the HIF. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2561

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Horizontal Integration Facility, or...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the upper stage for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Hea... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the upper stage for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, is being removed from its transportation container. The upper stage, along with the port booster and spacecraft adapter arrived by barge at the U.S. Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral in Florida and were transported to the HIF. At the HIF, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. The spacecraft adapter will connect Orion to the ULA Delta IV, and also will connect Orion to NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on its first mission in 2017. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2563

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Horizontal Integration Facility, or...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Horizontal Integration Facility, or HIF, at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the upper stage for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Hea... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Lockheed Martin technicians and engineers attach the heat shield to the Orion crew module inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Technicians have installed more than 200 instrumentation sensors on the heat shield for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1. The flight test will provide engineers with data about the heat shield's ability to protect Orion and its future crews from the 4,000-degree heat of reentry and an ocean splashdown following the spacecraft’s 20,000-mph reentry from space. Data gathered during the flight will inform decisions about design improvements on the heat shield and other Orion systems, and authenticate existing computer models and new approaches to space systems design and development. This process is critical to reducing overall risks and costs of future Orion missions. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper KSC-2014-2830

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Lockheed Martin technicians and engineers atta...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Lockheed Martin technicians and engineers attach the heat shield to the Orion crew module inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Lockheed Martin technicians and engineers attach the heat shield to the Orion crew module inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Technicians have installed more than 200 instrumentation sensors on the heat shield for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1. The flight test will provide engineers with data about the heat shield's ability to protect Orion and its future crews from the 4,000-degree heat of reentry and an ocean splashdown following the spacecraft’s 20,000-mph reentry from space. Data gathered during the flight will inform decisions about design improvements on the heat shield and other Orion systems, and authenticate existing computer models and new approaches to space systems design and development. This process is critical to reducing overall risks and costs of future Orion missions. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper KSC-2014-2831

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Lockheed Martin technicians and engineers atta...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Lockheed Martin technicians and engineers attach the heat shield to the Orion crew module inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media listen as NASA Orion Program Manager Mark Geyer marks the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, in the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. To his right is Kennedy Director Bob Cabana. Partially hidden behind him is NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden. To his left is Cleon Lacefield, Lockheed Martin Orion Program manager, and Rachel Kraft, NASA Public Affairs Officer. Behind them is the crew module stacked on the service module in the Final Assembly and System Testing cell. EFT-1 will provide engineers with data about the heat shield's ability to protect Orion and its future crews from the 4,000-degree heat of reentry and an ocean splashdown following the spacecraft’s 20,000-mph reentry from space. Data gathered during the flight will inform decisions about design improvements on the heat shield and other Orion systems, and authenticate existing computer models and new approaches to space systems design and development. This process is critical to reducing overall risks and costs of future Orion missions. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2963

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media listen as NASA Orion Progr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media listen as NASA Orion Program Manager Mark Geyer marks the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, in the Operations and... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cleon Lacefield, Lockheed Martin Orion Program manager, at right, helps mark the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In view behind him is the crew module stacked on the service module in the Final Assembly and System Testing cell. EFT-1 will provide engineers with data about the heat shield's ability to protect Orion and its future crews from the 4,000-degree heat of reentry and an ocean splashdown following the spacecraft’s 20,000-mph reentry from space. Data gathered during the flight will inform decisions about design improvements on the heat shield and other Orion systems, and authenticate existing computer models and new approaches to space systems design and development. This process is critical to reducing overall risks and costs of future Orion missions. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2959

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cleon Lacefield, Lockheed Martin Orion Program ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cleon Lacefield, Lockheed Martin Orion Program manager, at right, helps mark the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, inside the Operatio... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Orion crew module has been stacked on the service module in the Final Assembly and System Testing cell. NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden spoke to the media during an event to mark the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1. The flight test will provide engineers with data about the heat shield's ability to protect Orion and its future crews from the 4,000-degree heat of reentry and an ocean splashdown following the spacecraft’s 20,000-mph reentry from space. Data gathered during the flight will inform decisions about design improvements on the heat shield and other Orion systems, and authenticate existing computer models and new approaches to space systems design and development. This process is critical to reducing overall risks and costs of future Orion missions. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2966

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building hig...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Orion crew module has been stacked on the service module in the Final Assembly and Syst... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA Public Affairs Officer Rachel Kraft welcomes members of the media to the Operations and Checkout Building high at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to mark the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1. To her right are NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden and Kennedy Director Bob Cabana. To her left are Cleon Lacefield, Lockheed Martin Orion Program manager, and Mark Geyer, NASA Orion Program manager. Behind them is the crew module stacked on the service module in the Final Assembly and System Testing cell. EFT-1 will provide engineers with data about the heat shield's ability to protect Orion and its future crews from the 4,000-degree heat of reentry and an ocean splashdown following the spacecraft’s 20,000-mph reentry from space. Data gathered during the flight will inform decisions about design improvements on the heat shield and other Orion systems, and authenticate existing computer models and new approaches to space systems design and development. This process is critical to reducing overall risks and costs of future Orion missions. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2961

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA Public Affairs Officer Rachel Kraft welcom...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA Public Affairs Officer Rachel Kraft welcomes members of the media to the Operations and Checkout Building high at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to mark the T-6 months and co... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden helps mark the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, during a visit to the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. To his right is Rachel Kraft, NASA Public Affairs Officer, and standing behind him is Cleon Lacefield, Lockheed Martin Orion Program manager. The crew module has been stacked on the service module in the Final Assembly and System Testing cell. EFT-1 will provide engineers with data about the heat shield's ability to protect Orion and its future crews from the 4,000-degree heat of reentry and an ocean splashdown following the spacecraft’s 20,000-mph reentry from space. Data gathered during the flight will inform decisions about design improvements on the heat shield and other Orion systems, and authenticate existing computer models and new approaches to space systems design and development. This process is critical to reducing overall risks and costs of future Orion missions. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2957

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden helps mark th...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden helps mark the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, during a visit to the Operations and Checkout Build... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cleon Lacefield, Lockheed Martin Orion Program manager helps mark the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew module has been stacked on the service module in the Final Assembly and System Testing cell. EFT-1 will provide engineers with data about the heat shield's ability to protect Orion and its future crews from the 4,000-degree heat of reentry and an ocean splashdown following the spacecraft’s 20,000-mph reentry from space. Data gathered during the flight will inform decisions about design improvements on the heat shield and other Orion systems, and authenticate existing computer models and new approaches to space systems design and development. This process is critical to reducing overall risks and costs of future Orion missions. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2955

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cleon Lacefield, Lockheed Martin Orion Program ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cleon Lacefield, Lockheed Martin Orion Program manager helps mark the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, inside the Operations and Chec... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Mark Geyer, NASA Orion Program manager, along with NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, to his right, and Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana help mark the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At left is Rachel Kraft, NASA Public Affairs Officer. The crew module has been stacked on the service module in the Final Assembly and System Testing cell. EFT-1 will provide engineers with data about the heat shield's ability to protect Orion and its future crews from the 4,000-degree heat of reentry and an ocean splashdown following the spacecraft’s 20,000-mph reentry from space. Data gathered during the flight will inform decisions about design improvements on the heat shield and other Orion systems, and authenticate existing computer models and new approaches to space systems design and development. This process is critical to reducing overall risks and costs of future Orion missions. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2954

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Mark Geyer, NASA Orion Program manager, along w...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Mark Geyer, NASA Orion Program manager, along with NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, to his right, and Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana help mark the T-6 months and counting to t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronauts Doug Hurley, left, and Rex Walheim look at the Orion crew module stacked on top of the service module in the Final Assembly and System Test cell inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. An event was held to mark the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1. The flight test will provide engineers with data about the heat shield's ability to protect Orion and its future crews from the 4,000-degree heat of reentry and an ocean splashdown following the spacecraft’s 20,000-mph reentry from space. Data gathered during the flight will inform decisions about design improvements on the heat shield and other Orion systems, and authenticate existing computer models and new approaches to space systems design and development. This process is critical to reducing overall risks and costs of future Orion missions. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2969

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronauts Doug Hurley, left, and Rex Walh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronauts Doug Hurley, left, and Rex Walheim look at the Orion crew module stacked on top of the service module in the Final Assembly and System Test cell inside the Operations and ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden helps mark the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, during a visit to the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew module has been stacked on the service module in the Final Assembly and System Testing cell. EFT-1 will provide engineers with data about the heat shield's ability to protect Orion and its future crews from the 4,000-degree heat of reentry and an ocean splashdown following the spacecraft’s 20,000-mph reentry from space. Data gathered during the flight will inform decisions about design improvements on the heat shield and other Orion systems, and authenticate existing computer models and new approaches to space systems design and development. This process is critical to reducing overall risks and costs of future Orion missions. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2956

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden helps mark th...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden helps mark the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, during a visit to the Operations and Checkout Build... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronauts Doug Hurley, left, and Rex Walheim helped mark the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, during a visit to the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Behind them, the Orion crew module has been stacked on top of the service module in the Final Assembly and System Test cell. EFT-1 will provide engineers with data about the heat shield's ability to protect Orion and its future crews from the 4,000-degree heat of reentry and an ocean splashdown following the spacecraft’s 20,000-mph reentry from space. Data gathered during the flight will inform decisions about design improvements on the heat shield and other Orion systems, and authenticate existing computer models and new approaches to space systems design and development. This process is critical to reducing overall risks and costs of future Orion missions. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2970

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronauts Doug Hurley, left, and Rex Walh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronauts Doug Hurley, left, and Rex Walheim helped mark the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, during a visit to the Operations ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media listen as NASA Orion Program Manager Mark Geyer marks the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, in the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. To his right is Kennedy Director Bob Cabana. Partially hidden behind him is NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden. To his left is Cleon Lacefield, Lockheed Martin Orion Program manager, and Rachel Kraft, NASA Public Affairs Officer. Behind them is the crew module stacked on the service module in the Final Assembly and System Testing cell. EFT-1 will provide engineers with data about the heat shield's ability to protect Orion and its future crews from the 4,000-degree heat of reentry and an ocean splashdown following the spacecraft’s 20,000-mph reentry from space. Data gathered during the flight will inform decisions about design improvements on the heat shield and other Orion systems, and authenticate existing computer models and new approaches to space systems design and development. This process is critical to reducing overall risks and costs of future Orion missions. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2964

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media listen as NASA Orion Progr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media listen as NASA Orion Program Manager Mark Geyer marks the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, in the Operations and... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana helps mark the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. To his right is Rachel Kraft, NASA Public Affairs Officer, and standing behind him is Cleon Lacefield, Lockheed Martin Orion Program manager. The crew module has been stacked on the service module in the Final Assembly and System Testing cell. EFT-1 will provide engineers with data about the heat shield's ability to protect Orion and its future crews from the 4,000-degree heat of reentry and an ocean splashdown following the spacecraft’s 20,000-mph reentry from space. Data gathered during the flight will inform decisions about design improvements on the heat shield and other Orion systems, and authenticate existing computer models and new approaches to space systems design and development. This process is critical to reducing overall risks and costs of future Orion missions. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2958

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana helps ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana helps mark the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, inside the Operations and Checkout Building ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronauts Rex Walheim, left, and Doug Hurley helped mark the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, during a visit to the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Behind them the Orion crew module has been stacked on top of the service module in the Final Assembly and System Test cell. EFT-1 will provide engineers with data about the heat shield's ability to protect Orion and its future crews from the 4,000-degree heat of reentry and an ocean splashdown following the spacecraft’s 20,000-mph reentry from space. Data gathered during the flight will inform decisions about design improvements on the heat shield and other Orion systems, and authenticate existing computer models and new approaches to space systems design and development. This process is critical to reducing overall risks and costs of future Orion missions. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2971

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronauts Rex Walheim, left, and Doug Hur...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronauts Rex Walheim, left, and Doug Hurley helped mark the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, during a visit to the Operations ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Orion crew module has been stacked on the service module in the Final Assembly and System Testing cell in preparation for final system tests for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, prior to rolling out of the facility for integration with the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket. EFT-1 will provide engineers with data about the heat shield's ability to protect Orion and its future crews from the 4,000-degree heat of reentry and an ocean splashdown following the spacecraft’s 20,000-mph reentry from space. Data gathered during the flight will inform decisions about design improvements on the heat shield and other Orion systems, and authenticate existing computer models and new approaches to space systems design and development. This process is critical to reducing overall risks and costs of future Orion missions. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2960

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building hig...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Orion crew module has been stacked on the service module in the Final Assembly and Syst... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media listen as NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden marks the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, during a visit to the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. To his right is Kennedy Director Bob Cabana. To his left are Cleon Lacefield, Lockheed Martin Orion Program manager, and Mark Geyer, NASA Orion Program manager. Behind them is the crew module stacked on the service module in the Final Assembly and System Testing cell. EFT-1 will provide engineers with data about the heat shield's ability to protect Orion and its future crews from the 4,000-degree heat of reentry and an ocean splashdown following the spacecraft’s 20,000-mph reentry from space. Data gathered during the flight will inform decisions about design improvements on the heat shield and other Orion systems, and authenticate existing computer models and new approaches to space systems design and development. This process is critical to reducing overall risks and costs of future Orion missions. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2962

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media listen as NASA Administrat...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media listen as NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden marks the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, during a visit to the Ope... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronauts Doug Hurley, left, and Rex Walheim look at the Orion crew module stacked on top of the service module in the Final Assembly and System Test cell inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. An event was held to mark the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1. The flight test will provide engineers with data about the heat shield's ability to protect Orion and its future crews from the 4,000-degree heat of reentry and an ocean splashdown following the spacecraft’s 20,000-mph reentry from space. Data gathered during the flight will inform decisions about design improvements on the heat shield and other Orion systems, and authenticate existing computer models and new approaches to space systems design and development. This process is critical to reducing overall risks and costs of future Orion missions. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2968

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronauts Doug Hurley, left, and Rex Walh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronauts Doug Hurley, left, and Rex Walheim look at the Orion crew module stacked on top of the service module in the Final Assembly and System Test cell inside the Operations and ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Orion crew module has been stacked on the service module in the Final Assembly and System Testing cell. NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden spoke to the media during an event to mark the T-6 months and counting to the launch of Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1. The flight test will provide engineers with data about the heat shield's ability to protect Orion and its future crews from the 4,000-degree heat of reentry and an ocean splashdown following the spacecraft’s 20,000-mph reentry from space. Data gathered during the flight will inform decisions about design improvements on the heat shield and other Orion systems, and authenticate existing computer models and new approaches to space systems design and development. This process is critical to reducing overall risks and costs of future Orion missions. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch later this year atop a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2967

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building hig...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Orion crew module has been stacked on the service module in the Final Assembly and Syst... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, arrives at the Horizontal Integration Facility near Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida and is being lifted by crane from its transporter. The swing arm is the uppermost of three swing arms that will be attached to the fixed umbilical tower on the launch pad. The swing arm will carry umbilicals that will be mated to Orion's launch abort system and environmental control system. During launch, the umbilicals will pull away from Orion and the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket at T-0. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on its first flight test is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-3567

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, arrives at the Horizontal Integration Facility near Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Part of the umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, arrives at the Horizontal Integration Facility near Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida and is being lifted by crane from its transporter. The swing arm is the uppermost of three swing arms that will be attached to the fixed umbilical tower on the launch pad. The swing arm will carry umbilicals that will be mated to Orion's launch abort system and environmental control system. During launch, the umbilicals will pull away from Orion and the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket at T-0. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on its first flight test is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-3572

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Part of the umbilical swing arm for Exploration...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Part of the umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, arrives at the Horizontal Integration Facility near Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, arrives at the Horizontal Integration Facility near Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The swing arm is the uppermost of three swing arms that will be attached to the fixed umbilical tower on the launch pad. The swing arm will carry umbilicals that will be mated to Orion's launch abort system and environmental control system. During launch, the umbilicals will pull away from Orion and the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket at T-0. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on its first flight test is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-3566

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, arrives at the Horizontal Integration Facility near Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, arrives at the Horizontal Integration Facility near Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida and is being lifted by crane from its transporter. The swing arm is the uppermost of three swing arms that will be attached to the fixed umbilical tower on the launch pad. The swing arm will carry umbilicals that will be mated to Orion's launch abort system and environmental control system. During launch, the umbilicals will pull away from Orion and the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket at T-0. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on its first flight test is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-3568

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, arrives at the Horizontal Integration Facility near Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Both parts of the umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, have arrived at the Horizontal Integration Facility near Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. They have been removed from the transporter and placed on stands. The swing arm is the uppermost of three swing arms that will be attached to the fixed umbilical tower on the launch pad. The swing arm will carry umbilicals that will be mated to Orion's launch abort system and environmental control system. During launch, the umbilicals will pull away from Orion and the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket at T-0. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on its first flight test is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-3575

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Both parts of the umbilical swing arm for Explo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Both parts of the umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, have arrived at the Horizontal Integration Facility near Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Part of the umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, arrives at the Horizontal Integration Facility near Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The swing arm is the uppermost of three swing arms that will be attached to the fixed umbilical tower on the launch pad. The swing arm will carry umbilicals that will be mated to Orion's launch abort system and environmental control system. During launch, the umbilicals will pull away from Orion and the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket at T-0. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on its first flight test is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-3570

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Part of the umbilical swing arm for Exploration...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Part of the umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, arrives at the Horizontal Integration Facility near Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Part of the umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, arrives at the Horizontal Integration Facility near Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida and has been lifted by crane from its transporter. The swing arm is the uppermost of three swing arms that will be attached to the fixed umbilical tower on the launch pad. The swing arm will carry umbilicals that will be mated to Orion's launch abort system and environmental control system. During launch, the umbilicals will pull away from Orion and the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket at T-0. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on its first flight test is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-3573

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Part of the umbilical swing arm for Exploration...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Part of the umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, arrives at the Horizontal Integration Facility near Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Part of the umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, arrives at the Horizontal Integration Facility near Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida and is being lifted by crane from its transporter. The swing arm is the uppermost of three swing arms that will be attached to the fixed umbilical tower on the launch pad. The swing arm will carry umbilicals that will be mated to Orion's launch abort system and environmental control system. During launch, the umbilicals will pull away from Orion and the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket at T-0. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on its first flight test is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-3571

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Part of the umbilical swing arm for Exploration...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Part of the umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, arrives at the Horizontal Integration Facility near Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Both parts of the umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, have arrived at the Horizontal Integration Facility near Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. They have been removed from the transporter and placed on stands. The swing arm is the uppermost of three swing arms that will be attached to the fixed umbilical tower on the launch pad. The swing arm will carry umbilicals that will be mated to Orion's launch abort system and environmental control system. During launch, the umbilicals will pull away from Orion and the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket at T-0. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on its first flight test is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-3574

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Both parts of the umbilical swing arm for Explo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Both parts of the umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, have arrived at the Horizontal Integration Facility near Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, arrives at the Horizontal Integration Facility near Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida and has been lifted by crane from its transporter. The swing arm is the uppermost of three swing arms that will be attached to the fixed umbilical tower on the launch pad. The swing arm will carry umbilicals that will be mated to Orion's launch abort system and environmental control system. During launch, the umbilicals will pull away from Orion and the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket at T-0. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on its first flight test is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-3569

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The umbilical swing arm for Exploration Flight Test 1, or EFT-1, arrives at the Horizontal Integration Facility near Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Delta Operations Center near Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the second stage for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, is lowered by crane into a cradle for the move to a test cell. At the Horizontal Integration Facility, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2014-3153

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Delta Operations Center near Space L...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Delta Operations Center near Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the second stage for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Explorat... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Delta Operations Center near Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the second stage for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, is lifted high by crane for the move to a test cell. At the Horizontal Integration Facility, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2014-3158

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Delta Operations Center near Space L...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Delta Operations Center near Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the second stage for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Explorat... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Delta Operations Center near Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the second stage for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, is lowered by crane into a cradle for the move to a test cell. At the Horizontal Integration Facility, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2014-3152

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Delta Operations Center near Space L...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Delta Operations Center near Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the second stage for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Explorat... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Delta Operations Center near Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the second stage for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, is lowered by crane into a cradle for the move to a test cell. At the Horizontal Integration Facility, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2014-3154

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Delta Operations Center near Space L...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Delta Operations Center near Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the second stage for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Explorat... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Delta Operations Center near Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the second stage for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, is secured in its cradle for the move to a test cell. At the Horizontal Integration Facility, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2014-3155

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Delta Operations Center near Space L...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Delta Operations Center near Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the second stage for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Explorat... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Delta Operations Center near Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the second stage for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, is being lifted by crane in its cradle for the move to a test cell. At the Horizontal Integration Facility, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2014-3156

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Delta Operations Center near Space L...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Delta Operations Center near Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the second stage for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Explorat... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Delta Operations Center near Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the second stage for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, is being lifted by crane in its cradle for the move to a test cell. At the Horizontal Integration Facility, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2014-3157

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Delta Operations Center near Space L...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Delta Operations Center near Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the second stage for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Explorat... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Delta Operations Center near Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the second stage for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1, is lifted high by crane into a test cell. At the Horizontal Integration Facility, all three booster stages will be processed and checked out before being moved to the nearby launch pad and hoisted into position. During the EFT-1 mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on EFT-1 is planned for fall 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2014-3159

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Delta Operations Center near Space L...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Delta Operations Center near Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the second stage for the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy for Explorat... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In this close-up photograph, the United Launch Alliance Delta IV port booster is being mated to the core booster inside the Horizontal Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The Delta IV Heavy rocket will launch an uncrewed Orion spacecraft on Exploration Flight Test-1. During the mission, Orion will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The data gathered during the flight will influence design decisions, validate existing computer models and innovative new approaches to space systems development, as well as reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. Liftoff of Orion on the first flight test is planned for December 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2014-3676

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In this close-up photograph, the United Launch ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In this close-up photograph, the United Launch Alliance Delta IV port booster is being mated to the core booster inside the Horizontal Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 37 on C... More

Previous

of 2

Next