The Max Launch Abort System, or MLAS, vehicle features a bullet-shaped forward fairing that covers a simulated crew module, not shown. The vehicle weighs more than 46,000 lbs (20,865 kg) and is 33 feet, 5 inches (10.2 m) tall.
The Max Launch Abort System (MLAS) test vehicle features fixed fins and drag plates to inexpensively, yet effectively, simulate deployable fins or other aerodynamic devices that would be used on an operational launch vehicle.
The Max Launch Abort System, an astronaut escape ship alternative to NASA's tower-based choice on the Orion vehicles, launched at 6:26 a.m. EDT on July 8, 2009 from the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.
The Max Launch Abort System test vehicle is composed of four major structural components. From top, they are the foreward fairing, the crew module simulator, the coast skirt and the boost skirt.
NASA helicopter bird's-eye view of Max Launch Abort System flight from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia on July 8, 2009.
NASA helicopter bird's-eye view of Max Launch Abort System flight from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia on July 8, 2009.
The view of the July 8, 2009 Max Launch Abort System flight from a NASA helicopter over the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.
NASA helicopter bird's-eye view of Max Launch Abort System flight at the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia during the Max Launch Abort System test on July 8, 2009.
A 'fish-eye' view of preparations at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility taken from above the Max Launch Abort System vehicle.
While the pad abort test begins at liftoff, the demonstration of objectives begins at the seven second mark at burnout of the solid motors. Test points of interest are demonstration of unpowered flight along a stable trajectory, vehicle reorientation and stabilization, followed by crew module simulator separation from the fairing, stabilization and parachute recovery of the crew module simulator.
Watch an astronaut escape ship prototype blast off in this NASA test from the agency's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. The prototype is an alternative to the escape system chosen for the new Orio
A pre-launch view of the control room at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia during the Max Launch Abort System test on July 8, 2009.
A pre-launch view of the control room at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia during the Max Launch Abort System test on July 8, 2009.
During Max Launch Abort System vehicle assembly, work continues on the crew module in the foreground while the lower sections of the test vehicle take shape in the background. The separation between the larger boost skirt and the coast skirt is the metallic strip seen just above the ladder.
Major components of the Max Launch Abort System (MLAS) test vehicle are positioned prior to assembly at NASA Wallops Flight Facility. In back is the boost skirt with the peak of the motor cage assembly visible at center top. In the foreground, clockwise from top, is the forward fairing, crew module simulator and coast skirt. The forward fairing had just completed a fit check with the coast skirt.
In a series of fit checks, four inert abort motors were placed inside the motor cage assembly in the boost skirt, the lower-most part of the Max Launch Abort System test vehicle. The white, tubular motors are positioned under the round silver thrust plate. When assembled, the crew module simulator rests on top of the thrust plate. In back is the forward fairing assembly.
A technician at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility works inside the boost skirt of the Max Launch Abort System vehicle.
A view from above the Max Launch Abort System vehicle just days before rolling out to the launch pad at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility. Affixing the NASA insignia to the vehicle is one of the final steps in pre-launch preparations.
Technicians at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility 'jack up' the Max Launch Abort System vehicle to continue work just days before the test.
