Orion Capsule Completes Drop Test Series

Orion test capsule landing in the Hydro Impact Basin. (Credits: NASA).

The Orion capsule, NASA’s next astronaut exploration vehicle, successfuly completed a series of drop tests on December 13th. The tests simulate water landings of the capsule under a variety of conditions.

Testing of the 8,000 kg capsule takes place at NASA Langley Research Center’s Hydro Impact Basin. The full series of 8 tests has examined the capsule’s capability under different entry angles, wave heights, wind conditions, and parachute deployment status. The capsule is also tested under inverted entry conditions.

The video below is a record of the December 13 test.

 

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