First Test Flight Completed

Aero-News Realtime Update 1130 EST:

Orion splashed down in the Pacific Ocean at 1129 EDT following a successful first test flight. The spacecraft returned from orbit under three orange and white canopies, and splashed down right on target. NASA called the flight "picture perfect." We will have further updates on Aero-News and on Airborne throughout the day.

Original Story:

NASA's Orion spacecraft lifted of from NASA's Kennedy Space Center at 0705 EST Friday morning in a flawless launch for its first test flight.

Issues with the United Launch Alliance Delta IV heavy booster experienced Thursday were resolved by the launch team, and the weather cooperated for an on-time launch on the first attempt Friday. Malfunctioning fuel valves and winds above acceptable levels on Thursday scrubbed the first attempt.

But Friday, the rocket performed flawlessly, and Orion was boosted into an orbit described as "perfect" by NASA personnel.

As Orion climbed to its orbit, the system met all of its programmed milestones. The two external boosters separated on schedule, then the service module fairings fell away from the spacecraft and the launch abort system was jettisoned.

At 0723 EST, NASA reported on its blot that the second stage engine completed its first burn and Orion is now in orbit on a path that is about 560 miles by 120 miles above Earth. There will be another burn by the Delta IV second stage to lift its orbit and then push it out 3,600 miles from Earth. For now, though, Orion begins a coast phase of about 97 minutes. The second stage will reignite at the 1 hour, 55 minute, 26 second point of the mission. The coast phase will allow flight controllers to continue evaluating telemetry coming down from the spacecraft and make sure Orion is healthy thus far in its mission.

We'll update you this morning as the mission progresses.

(Image provided by NASA)

FMI: https://blogs.nasa.gov/orion/