Orion rocket

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Orion Rocket: Key Research Insights

Far Ultra-Violet Spectra of Orion Stars

The study of far ultra-violet spectra of stars near ε Orionis was conducted using an objective spectrograph on an Aerobee 150 rocket. This rocket, launched from the White Sands Missile Range, achieved a height of 165 km. The spectrograph was stabilized by a passive gyro system, which limited angular motion and provided a resolution of about 1 Å during a 3-minute exposure.

Design of the Orion Spacecraft's Retro Rocket Earth Landing System

The Orion spacecraft's landing system is designed to ensure safe return to Earth by reducing terminal velocity to minimize impact loads. The system uses a combination of vertical and horizontal rockets. Four 7000 lbf vertical rockets reduce vertical velocity from 25 ft/s to 5 ft/s, while four 9400 lbf horizontal rockets reduce horizontal velocities from 0-58 ft/s to less than 20 ft/s. This design was selected over other options like airbags and landing struts due to its superior performance.

In Situ Observation of Equatorial Plasma Irregularities

A two-stage VS-30 Orion rocket launched from Alcântara, Brazil, carried a Langmuir probe to study equatorial plasma irregularities. The probe detected wave patterns and plasma irregularities in the valley region (100-300 km) during the rocket's ascent and descent. These observations are similar to those made by VHF radar at Jicamarca, indicating the presence of equatorial quasi-periodic echoes.

Orion Pre-Launch Navigation System

The Orion vehicle's Exploration Flight Test-1 (EFT-1) in December 2014 tested the pre-launch and entry components of the system. The pre-launch absolute navigation design was successfully validated during this mission, ensuring accurate navigation and control for future missions.

Aerodynamic and Aeroacoustic Testing of the Orion Spacecraft

The Orion aerodynamic testing team conducted over 40 tests to develop aerodynamic and loads databases essential for the vehicle's mechanical design and controllable flight. These tests included scenarios for nominal ascents and launch aborts, focusing on the interaction of rocket motor plumes and their effects on control authority.

Orion EFT-1 Flight Test Results and Future Missions

The EFT-1 mission in December 2014 was a significant milestone for the Orion program, achieving a high-altitude orbit and a high-speed re-entry. The mission validated critical systems and provided valuable data for future missions. Upcoming missions include the uncrewed Exploration Mission 1 (EM-1) and the crewed Exploration Mission 2 (EM-2), both aimed at lunar exploration.

Orion Propulsion Test Results

The Orion propulsion system, tested during the EFT-1 mission, demonstrated its capability for high-speed re-entry. The propulsion system's performance was critical for validating the design and ensuring the success of future deep space missions.

Propulsion on the Orion Abort Flight-Test Vehicles

The Orion Pad Abort 1 Flight-Test Vehicle, tested in May 2010, successfully demonstrated the launch abort system's ability to safely separate the crew module from a failed booster. This test provided valuable insights for future human-rated space launch vehicles.

Orion GN&C Overview and Architecture

The Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) system of the Orion spacecraft is crucial for its mission to carry astronauts to low Earth orbit and beyond. The system must perform various functions, including monitoring, abort operations, rendezvous, docking, and atmospheric entry. The GN&C system is being developed jointly by NASA and Lockheed Martin.

Long-Slit Spectroscopy of the Orion Nebula

A rocketborne telescope equipped with a long-slit spectrograph was used to study the extensive nebulosity in the Trapezium region of the Orion Nebula. The spectrograph provided a wavelength resolution of 22 Å and a spatial resolution of 14 inches along the slit, offering detailed insights into the structure and radiative transfer within the nebula.

Conclusion

The research and development efforts surrounding the Orion rocket and spacecraft encompass a wide range of studies, from ultra-violet spectra of stars to advanced landing systems and propulsion tests. These efforts are crucial for ensuring the success of future missions, including lunar exploration and beyond. The continuous advancements in technology and rigorous testing protocols are paving the way for safe and efficient human space exploration.