Orion Hardware Processing

[Lars_J]

Right now it seems that it will be designed to only be launched by the SLS. Which means that it will not be cheap to use. Far from it. And each capsule will cost a fortune.

But that's what congress wants.

[pathfinder_01]

Right now it seems that it will be designed to only be launched by the SLS. Which means that it will not be cheap to use. Far from it. And each capsule will cost a fortune.

But that's what congress wants.

Congress wants right now. If some deficit hawks come to power...woe to Orion unless it can find another function or have the rest of the stuff needed for BEO flight ready with it.

[beancounter]

Right now it seems that it will be designed to only be launched by the SLS. Which means that it will not be cheap to use. Far from it. And each capsule will cost a fortune.

But that's what congress wants.

Ok, I checked the acronyms - what's SLS - Shuttle Launch System!!??

[marsavian]

I'm afraid I'm really confused as to exactly what Orion is and what it's going to be used for.

I originally thought it was a BEO vehicle; then that got changed to an LEO vehicle; then an LEO return only vehicle; and now it seems to have morphed back into a BEO vehicle.  Seems like the capabilities of a BEO vehicle would far exceed that required for an LEO vehicle which just adds to my confusion.  How can you keep changing back and forth?  What does that do to the design requirements?

Can anyone give me a clear idea of where the vehicle is at with respect to it's intended use and current funding levels.  Guess I mean 'at this point in time'.  Tomorrow could be different.

This thread is about the original BEO Constellation Orion being built under these original plans and funding up to and including FY2010. Those changes you mentioned are purely what the NASA administration proposed for FY2011 and beyond and the compromises it attempted to get Congress approval. However Congress has not agreed and will continue the Orion design in its original concept for FY2011 and beyond, the only point to be decided now is whether Ares I will still launch it or more likely the proposed Senate SLS which is looking like the consensus future SD-LV now. SLS means Space Launch System and basically is the Senate closely specifying a DIRECT like HLV ...

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=22270.msg623228#msg623228

[Ronsmytheiii]

I'm afraid I'm really confused as to exactly what Orion is and what it's going to be used for.

I originally thought it was a BEO vehicle; then that got changed to an LEO vehicle; then an LEO return only vehicle; and now it seems to have morphed back into a BEO vehicle.  Seems like the capabilities of a BEO vehicle would far exceed that required for an LEO vehicle which just adds to my confusion.  How can you keep changing back and forth?  What does that do to the design requirements?

Can anyone give me a clear idea of where the vehicle is at with respect to it's intended use and current funding levels.  Guess I mean 'at this point in time'.  Tomorrow could be different.

Right now Orion is preserving an option for BEO launches. IT will act as a CRV or a back up crew transport vehicle. Right now they are just working on a few parts of a BEO exploration architecture that can support the intermediate future, you can build exploration add ons later (like how station was delayed at the onset of shuttle)

[Jorge]

Right now it seems that it will be designed to only be launched by the SLS. Which means that it will not be cheap to use. Far from it. And each capsule will cost a fortune.

But that's what congress wants.

Ok, I checked the acronyms - what's SLS - Shuttle Launch System!!??

Space Launch System. See section 302 of the Senate authorization bill.

[Space Pete]

Orion Performs Under Pressure.

The Lockheed Martin Orion team performed well under pressure as the first Orion spacecraft successfully passed a structural proof pressure test at the NASA/Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, La., on Aug. 30, 2010, paving the way for future tests prior to space flight. This Orion spacecraft will be used for ground and flight test operations to correlate test data with analytical models to validate Orion’s flight design engineering.

Built to spaceflight specifications, the vehicle completed an important series of leak and proof pressure tests that confirmed Orion's structural design can withstand long-duration missions. The test incrementally pressurized the spacecraft with breathing air up to 15.55 pounds per square inch – or 1.05 atmospheres -- which is the equivalent pressure a scuba diver's gauge would read at a 35-foot depth.

The successful tests demonstrated a leak-free structure fabricated using self-reacting friction stir welding techniques, a technology that produces stronger and higher quality joints when compared with conventional welding. The pressurization test demonstrated weld strength capability, and advanced aluminum-lithium alloy structural performance at maximum flight operating pressures, making this structure survivable in the harshest environments of space. Test engineers monitored and collected data from 600 channels of instrumentation to support margin assessments and confirm design accuracy.

Successful test completion allows the hardware to advance to subsystem assembly and integration. Following additional testing in 2010, the assembled crew module will be mated to the launch abort system to undergo ground tests in flight-like environments in 2011.

All testing was accomplished at the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility, leveraging advanced technology and a diverse workforce experienced in all of NASA's human spaceflight programs. Recent engineering graduates supporting the Lockheed Martin team gained hands-on experience by designing elements of the successfully tested Orion spacecraft.

Source (with accompanying images).

[robertross]

Excellent news!

[Space Pete]

Harris Corporation's OS/COMET Product to be Used for NASA's Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle Project.

Harris Corporation, an international communications and information technology company, announced today that Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company (LMSSC) will use its OS/COMET telemetry, tracking, and command software for the Orion Program's Telemetry System to serve the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) new Orion crew exploration vehicle. The OS/COMET product will be a vital part of LMSSC Integrated Electrical Ground Support Equipment located at multiple labs in Denver and Houston, and test facilities in Ohio and Florida.

"Lockheed Martin's use of OS/COMET for the Orion Telemetry System is based on OS/COMET's flexibility and adaptability to meet the stringent telemetry requirements for the Orion vehicle," said Stephen Cross, senior staff engineer, Orion Program, LMSSC. "The use of Harris' OS/COMET commercial, off-the-shelf (COTS) product aligns with NASA's direction of using COTS products on their programs."

"Harris is pleased that the OS/COMET product is used by Lockheed Martin to support the Orion crew exploration vehicle," said Wayne Lucernoni, vice president, Intel and Civil Programs, Harris IT Services. "Harris' reliability stems from over two decades of success with telemetry, tracking and command (TT&C) deployments in support of both commercial and defense spacecraft."

OS/COMET delivers superior TT&C capabilities for military, intelligence, and commercial satellite constellations. It provides an extensible and flexible software ground control system that supports the development of more efficient operational solutions for existing or proposed space systems. NASA's Kennedy Space Center previously selected the OS/COMET product for the Launch Control System.

The Orion crew exploration vehicle is managed at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The Orion crew exploration vehicle program will provide a state-of-the-art human space flight system capable of safely transferring astronauts to and from the International Space Station, the Moon, Mars and other destinations beyond low earth orbit.

Harris IT Services is a leading provider of end-to-end solutions in mission-critical IT transformation, managed solutions, and information assurance. With over 3,000 professionals performing to the highest industry standards at locations worldwide, Harris IT Services offers demonstrated past performance, proven technical expertise, and innovative solutions in supporting large-scale IT programs that encompass the full technology lifecycle. The organization's distributed workforce, present in all 50 states, and extensive experience in performance-based contracting and managed IT services, combine to deliver exceptional results to our defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and commercial customers.

About Harris Corporation.
Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has approximately $5 billion of annual revenue and more than 16,000 employees — including nearly 7,000 engineers and scientists. Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured communications products, systems, and services. Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at www.harris.com.

Source.

[jacqmans]

Orion Spacecraft on the Path to Future Flight

Date(s): 21-Sep-2010 8:16 AM


Production Operations Now Under Way at Kennedy Space Center


CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., Sept 21, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Preparations for Orion's first mission in 2013 are well under way as a Lockheed Martin-led crew begins lean assembly pathfinding operations for the spacecraft. The crew is conducting simulated manufacturing and assembly operations with a full-scale Orion mockupto verify the tools, processes and spacecraft integration procedures work as expected.

As the nation's next generation spacecraft for human spaceflight, the Orion crew exploration vehicle is designed to support missions to the International Space Station and far beyond into deep space. The Orion spacecraft will be fully assembled and integrated on site in the Operations & Checkout (O&C) Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida, a capability that provides significant time and cost savings.

"The unique benefit of this complete on-site operation is that we will build the spacecraft and then move it directly onto the launch vehicle at KSC, which saves the government transportation costs associated with tests and checkout prior to launch," said Lockheed Martin Orion Deputy Program Manager for production operations Richard Harris. "This capability also facilitates the KSC workforce transition efforts by providing new job opportunities for those employees completing their shuttle program assignments."

Dubbed the "the spacecraft factory of the future", the O&C, underwent a two-year renovation effort led by Lockheed Martin with support from Space Florida and NASA. The collaborative effort created a state-of-the-art complex designed with the flexibility to support NASA's next generation spacecraft fleet.

Technical innovations incorporated into the O&C include 90,000 square feet of air-bearing floor space, paperless work stations, a portable clean room system, and specialized lifting/lowering and support tools that were designed by United Space Alliance (USA). Specially designed air-bearing pallets will enable a small crew to effortlessly maneuver spacecraft hardware across the factory floor. The building renovation also incorporated modern energy efficient HVAC and electrical systems which will further enhance cost savings for the life cycle of the facility.

With the help of an advanced crane that can position the spacecraft within millimeters of its target, the crew module, heat shield and service module will be integrated in tooling stations located on the O&C's factory floor. These tooling stations are portable and will be moved to various Orion facilities around the country to provide low-cost and affordable vehicle processing on the Orion project.

The industry team supporting O&C tooling station operations include Lockheed Martin, USA and EMF, Inc. a small business based in Merritt Island, Fla., that built the tooling station and support pallets.

According to EMF Vice President Jeff Flick, the Orion program has been a "bright spot" in the space industry. "As a small business owner that supports NASA and the Department of Defense, I believe it is critical for our country to retain the unique skill mix of expertise that supports key national programs such as human space flight and defense initiatives."



For photos and video files for this release, go to:


www.lockheedmartin.com/news/press_releases/2010/0921_ss_orion.html

[HappyMartian]

Orion Spacecraft on the Path to Future Flight

Date(s): 21-Sep-2010 8:16 AM


Production Operations Now Under Way at Kennedy Space Center

Thanks for the update Jacqmans!

Cheers!

[Ben the Space Brit]

I'm not sure how on-topic this is for this thread.  Mods, please move or delete if appropriate.

Over on this thread over on NASAWatch, an individual claiming to work on Orion for Lockheed claims that they are targetting a 2013 test flight on an EELV (probably a Delta-IVH, IMHO) to test things like the LAS, fairing jettison and re-entry/recovery equipment and avionics.  Turning that into a crewed vehicle is all TBD at the moment, largely dependent on funding and finding a suitable LV.

[TexasRED]

I'm not sure how on-topic this is for this thread.  Mods, please move or delete if appropriate.

Over on this thread over on NASAWatch, an individual claiming to work on Orion for Lockheed claims that they are targetting a 2013 test flight on an EELV (probably a Delta-IVH, IMHO) to test things like the LAS, fairing jettison and re-entry/recovery equipment and avionics.  Turning that into a crewed vehicle is all TBD at the moment, largely dependent on funding and finding a suitable LV.

I've posted something along those lines in some thread earlier. That person's post is dead accurate.

EDIT: EELV is just what everyone is assuming right now.

[renclod]

...they are targetting a 2013 test flight ...

Old news.
"Orion: an orbital flight test in late CY13 that mitigates risk to the existing Orion 1 & 2 flights "
quote is from Dale Thomas (CxP Progam Manager) email "Keeping our balance" dated Sep.9th, published Sep.13th by americaspace.org

[libs0n]

The Space Show did an interview with Laurence Price, Deputy Orion Program Manager, in which he talks about the Orion program; decoupling of Orion from the architecture outcome, expedited test schedule, and use of Delta 4 Heavy for the 2013 test flight, etc.

http://www.thespaceshow.com/detail.asp?q=1418

It's a three person interview show, the Larry Price portion starts at around 58-59 minutes in.

[renclod]

...interview show, the Larry Price portion starts at around 58-59 minutes in.

Thanks a lot for the link !
I was on an offshore gas platform at the time; after 2 weeks of crappy net access, it's hard to come up to speed with everything.
And by the way, the segment starts at 0h:26min and ends at 1h:26min.
Delicious... what a pace ! Larry Price is a great guy ! He took the air out of Dr. Livingston's questions stock - kudos to Dr.L too.
What a great pledge for Orion !

[Robotbeat]

The Space Show did an interview with Laurence Price, Deputy Orion Program Manager, in which he talks about the Orion program; decoupling of Orion from the architecture outcome, expedited test schedule, and use of Delta 4 Heavy for the 2013 test flight, etc.

http://www.thespaceshow.com/detail.asp?q=1418

It's a three person interview show, the Larry Price portion starts at around 58-59 minutes in.

Talking about being able to launch on a Delta IV Heavy for testing:

"...we'll try to decouple our constraints to get to LEO on the way to that deep space mission."

Absolutely! Yes, yes, and Amen!
"We want to be as independent as possible of the delivery system."

Yes! Sounds like Larry learned the hard lessons of Ares I. No matter what launch system is built, being able to have the spacecraft decoupled from the launch vehicle means the spacecraft, and thus the manned BEO capability, can survive a budgetary environment that may kill one launch vehicle or another.

Awesome. I like this. I like that Orion is being designed to be flexible and capable. This is why I like Orion.

[Robotbeat]

How likely is it that reusability will be added back to Orion?

[Robotbeat]

From the space show interview:
Apparently, the Orion heat shield will be designed to be compatible with both LEO and BEO return right at first, but... won't be qualified for BEO until after the LEO tests validate the models (although some mass may need to be added for BEO if the LEO tests show it's necessary).

[Jim]

Hello?

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=22381.msg635497#msg635497