Isn’t it pretty?
This is just the pressure module, really. NASA has to build the ship up around it. The first unmanned test flights will be in 2014. Manned flights won’t really happen until 2021.
Nonetheless, it’s a beautiful thing to see. Especially in light of the recent success of private spaceflight, government research is all the more important. They can do the science and the rest of us can mine the asteroids.
Either way, it’s still nice to see that even if the dream is delayed, NASA is still reaching for the stars.
image courtesy NASA
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With Constellation canceled, it takes the steam out of any Orion hope.
Actually, there are plenty of private-industry rockets they can get.
2021? Why the rush?
This is Ground Control to Major Tom, can you get us a pot of joe-o-o-oh.
This is Major Tom to Ground Control, it’s gotten very co-o-o-old.
/noonewillreadthis
“…government research is all the more important. They can do the science and the rest of us can mine the asteroids.”
Unless we find something of value, then…
I spent some time working at Orbital Sciences on the Orion capsule, specifically on the pointing thrusters encircling the bottom of it. I was moved to another program when Constellation was cancelled. I am glad to see that Orion is still available to be picked up by other companies, it was a great design.