Orbital was a key contributor to the many studies NASA undertook in its effort to develop new launch technologies for its next generation spacecraft to replace the Space Shuttle. Orbital was a strong advocate of separating crew and cargo on separate missions, a strategy that NASA adopted for its Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) which will transport crews to and from the International Space Station, the Moon and Mars.
Orion CEV Launch Abort System
Orbital is a first-tier member of the Lockheed Martin-led Orion CEV team. Applying its proven small rocket technology, Orbital is designing, developing, and building the Launch Abort System (LAS) for the Orion vehicle, a key element in vastly improving the safety of the flight crew as compared to current human space systems. Orbital will integrate the rocket motors that will pull the spacecraft and its crew to safety in the event of an emergency on the launch pad or at any time during ascent. Orbital will also provide the boost protective cover which will shield the crew capsule during its ascent.
Orion Abort Test Booster
In addition, Orbital is also supplying the Abort Test Booster (ATB) that will conduct a number of tests to verify the Orion Launch Abort System. The tests will employ government-supplied rocket motors to boost the Orion capsule to specified test altitudes, applying Orbital’s expertise in the use of retired ICBM assets for reliable and low-cost launch missions. Tests are scheduled for 2009 and 2010 and will include low- and high-altitude trials to simulate aborts at various points in the launch vehicle trajectory.
