Lockheed's Spacecraft Tests IMU Accuracy, Thruster Response as it Approaches Apogee

The 12th day of the Artemis I mission saw the team conduct star tracking evaluations of the mounted sensor suite, evaluating Orion's capability to track distant objects. 

Orion used distant stars to evaluate the accuracy of onboard IMU measurements, gauging their performance as it activated its thrusters to face different celestial bodies. The motion allowed NASA to test the level of variance experienced by the craft throughout a range of different thermal states, always a prime consideration when testing accuracy given the extreme temperature swings experienced by sunward portions of a spacecraft. 

The Orion sports a triple-gyro IMU, augmented by a trio of accelerometers to track the rotation and movement of the spacecraft. The suite allows the Orion's vehicle management computers to establish and track its position, velocity, and attitude. Today's measurements will also help engineers determine how thermal states affect the amount of propellant needed for spacecraft maneuvers. While trying out its star-tracking capability, today's thrust test established the minimum jet firing time for the reaction control thrusters throughout a 24-hour period. The exercise gauged Orion's response to help establish the ideal configuration for the future Artemis II mission. 

A joint Amazon and Cisco project also saw use while along for the ride, with the activation of the Callisto payload, a long-distance comms demonstrator. The Callisto is installed in the Orion's cabin, and stands as an early prototype of a system to allow voice and video communications in a deep space environment. Orion's position will reach its apogee from earth on November 28th, when it will be cruising 270,000 miles from Earth at 1,750 miles an hour. 

NASA has continued to keep fans abreast of the Orion test, with frequent updates and imagery from the mission broadcast on their streaming TV site. 

FMI: www.nasa.gov/nasalive