Photos: NASA's MLAS Astronaut Escape Ship Test Launch

Max Launch Abort System (MLAS)

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.

Max Launch Abort System (MLAS)

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.

Max Launch Abort System (MLAS)

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.

Max Launch Abort System (MLAS)

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.

Max Launch Abort System (MLAS)

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.

Max Launch Abort System (MLAS)

A technician at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility works inside the boost skirt of the Max Launch Abort System vehicle.

Max Launch Abort System (MLAS)

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.

Max Launch Abort System (MLAS)

Technicians at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility 'jack up' the Max Launch Abort System vehicle to continue work just days before the test.