Princess Scott Science 11.22.2022 22:Nov PM EST

10 Things to Know About the Orion Spacecraft

NASA has been continually conducting missions to learn more about the solar system and outer space in general. The agency has been building rockets and spacecraft to send humans to space for explorations.

One of the spacecraft that the agency built is Orion. The spacecraft is designed to bring humans farther into space, beyond the Moon, to asteroids, and even to planet Mars.

In this article, we compile some interesting facts about the Orion spacecraft.

1. Orion was Launched by NASA's Space Launch System

NASA's Space Launch System or SLS, the most powerful rocket in production, launched Orion into space, as per the European Space Agency (ESA). The said rocket allowed the spacecraft break free of Earth's gravity in order to conduct space explorations.

2. Orion's First Flight Happened in December 2014 on a Delta IV Heavy Vehicle

On December 5, 2014, a Delta IV Heavy rocket with NASA's Orion spacecraft lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Space Launch Complex. It's the first test flight of the spacecraft. The spacecraft orbited Earth twice before it landed in the Pacific Ocean.

3. There's an Exercise Machine Inside Orion

Every day, astronauts have to exercise to keep from losing bone mass. To make this possible, there is a compact flywheel exercise machine inside Orion that is used for aerobic and strength workouts, according to Lockheed Martin. The machine is placed at a 45-degree angle in order for the astronauts to exercise comfortably and efficiently.

4. During its Return from the Moon, Orion Will Go 24x Faster than a Speeding Bullet

Upon its return to Earth from the Moon, Orion will travel at a speed of about 24,600 mph. It's about 7,600 mph faster than a typical spacecraft coming back from the International Space Station (ISS).

5. Orion Will Travel 1000x Farther into Space Than the ISS

The ISS orbits 240 miles above the Earth. Meanwhile, the Moon is 240,000 miles away, therefore Orion will carry astronauts 1000x farther into deep space than the ISS. During the Artemis I uncrewed mission, Orion will travel an additional 40,000 miles past the Moon.

6. There Are 11 Parachutes to Safely Land Orion on the Ocean

Orion has 11 parachutes to slow down the crew module during the last part of re-entry. This is necessary to attain the soft ocean splashdown. The spacecraft will use its three main parachutes to land, however, according to Lockheed Martin, it can land safely with just two.

7. The Crew Systems in Orion Are Designed to Accommodate 99% of the Human Population in Terms of Size

Orion is created to accommodate 99% of the human population in terms of size. This means the spacecraft can accommodate astronauts as small as 4'10". Likewise, it can accommodate those as tall as 6'5".

8. Orion Will Go About 40,000 Miles Past the Moon During the Artemis I Mission

During the Artemis I mission, Orion orbits around the Moon. As the spacecraft do this, it will go out about 40,000 miles beyond, which is about 30,000 miles farther than Apollo traveled.

9. The Speed of the Computers on Orion is 25x Faster than ISS'

The main computers at Orion have significantly faster speeds than other human spaceflight vehicles. The speed of each computer is about 25 times faster than the computers of the ISS.

10. Orion Can Operate in Deep Space for a Long Time

Orion has enough space for supplies to safely sustain four astronauts for up to 21 days. When docked to the Gateway at the Moon, the spacecraft can function unattended for six months in orbit.