NASA tests a
solid rocket motor designed to propel the Launch Abort System away from the Orion
crew module during an emergency.
The test
achieved a critical milestone in the development of the Constellation Program's
Orion vehicle, which is slated to replace the space
shuttle and also return astronauts to the moon. The abort system offers an
escape in case of an emergency on the launch pad or during liftoff. During a
normal launch, the abort system's rocket motor fires to separate from the Orion
crew module
The test
firing was conducted by the Aerojet Corporation in Sacramento, California, with future tests of the abort system scheduled for later
this year.
— NASA and SPACE.com Staff
Credit: NASA
Return each weekday for a new SPACE.com Image of the Day.
| 
