Orion AA-2 test - SLC-46 - July 2, 2019 (11:00 UTC) - UPDATES

[eeergo]

Close-up views of the capsule tumbling:



I couldn't catch the data recorders' ejections after a couple of cursory viewings - does anyone have a better eye than me? With the rapid low-pressure singularities the spinning capsule creates in its wake, it's difficult to disentangle what may be an ejection.

BONUS: Also this: https://www.reddit.com/r/SpaceLaunchSystem/comments/c89rye/i_was_able_to_see_the_atb_crash_into_the_water/ 

[Mammutti]

During the successful test of Orion’s launch abort system, known as Ascent Abort-2, a camera mounted on a ring connecting the crew module and launch abort system to its booster captured a view of Orion escaping the booster. After the booster separated, its motor continued to burn for several seconds and maintained stability, which allowed for a clear, mid-air view of the Orion elements continuing to execute the abort test. About 27 seconds after the abort is initiated and the Orion elements separate from the booster, the launch abort system’s jettison motor is seen firing, releasing the capsule. The July 2 test demonstrated the Orion’s launch abort system works during high-stress aerodynamic conditions and can pull the capsule to safety if an emergency ever arises during launch. The test was a critical milestone needed to help pave the way for Artemis missions with astronauts.

[jacqmans]

One of the 12 ejectable data recorders from NASA’s Ascent Abort-2 (AA-2) flight test is retrieved from the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida by the NASA Ejectable Data Recorder Recovery Team on July 2, 2019. During AA-2, a fully functional Launch Abort System (LAS) with a test version of Orion attached, launched atop a Northrop Grumman provided booster from Launch Pad 46 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on July 2, 2019. Liftoff was at 7 a.m. EDT. During AA-2, the booster sent the LAS and Orion to an altitude of 31,000 feet, traveling at Mach 1.15 (more than 1,000 mph). The LAS’ three motors worked together to pull the crew module away from the booster and prepare it for splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean. The flight test proves that the abort system can pull crew to safety in the unlikely event of an emergency during ascent. Data from the recorders will be analyzed by engineers.

Photo credit: NASA/Isaac Huston

[Yeknom-Ecaps]

AA-2 Teams Rehearse for Test of Launch Abort System

Linda Herridge Posted on June 12, 2019

On Monday, June 3 and Saturday, June 8, NASA launch teams, in coordination with U.S. Air Force and industry teams, held the first two of three dress rehearsals for the Ascent Abort-2 (AA-2) flight test at Hangar AE at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. AA-2 will demonstrate the Launch Abort System (LAS) can quickly get astronauts safely away from the rocket in the event of a problem during launch.

...

https://blogs.nasa.gov/aa2/2019/06/12/aa-2-teams-rehearse-for-test-of-launch-abort-system/

Anyone know the date of the third rehearsal?

[Chris Bergin]

FEATURE ARTICLE: NASA conducting data deep dive following July’s Orion ascent abort test -

4,000 word feature/interview from Philip Sloss (over two pages).

https://nasaspaceflight.com/2019/10/nasa-date-julys-orion-ascent-abort-test/

https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1187781246589505539

[freda]

Yikes! That sure looked like some energetic tumbling near the end; possibly unsurvivable? I know this test was without parachutes, but still. Is that common for human-rated capsules?

[russianhalo117]

Yikes! That sure looked like some energetic tumbling near the end; possibly unsurvivable? I know this test was without parachutes, but still. Is that common for human-rated capsules?

The real thing would be under control of the spacecraft propulsion and parachute system.