ORION TESTING: A test campaign for the Orion spacecraft — a vessel built to take humans farther into the solar system than we’ve ever traveled — will begin as early as August 2021, NASA said on Thursday.
The campaign will include the first test flight with astronauts aboard Orion.
Testing the new technology is an important step before an eventual journey for humans to Mars.
During the test campaign, “their mission will be to confirm all of the spacecraft’s systems operate as designed in the actual environment of deep space,” NASA reported. “After an Orion test campaign that includes ground tests, systems demonstrations on the International Space Station, and uncrewed space test flights, this first crewed test flight will mark a significant step forward on NASA’s Journey to Mars.”
The 2021 mission will be one of multiple “missions in the proving ground, an area of space around the moon where a crew can build and test systems needed to prepare for the challenge of missions to Mars.”As many as four astronauts may fly in each mission.
Among the planned maneuvers for the first mission will be two orbits around Earth, when scientists will ensure the systems are working correctly before going further in the mission, as well as a figure-eight with the outer loop circling the moon, which will conclude the trip.
Unmanned testing of Orion and the Space Launch System is slated for late 2018.
A more detailed description of testing can be found at https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-s-first-flight-with-crew-will-mark-important-step-on-journey-to-mars.
CHRISTMAS STORIES: The Bradford Little Theatre crew will put on “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)” starting at 7:30 p.m. today at Togi’s Playhouse on Welch Avenue.
Performances will also be held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.
The fast-paced, playful show will feature tidbits from a number of Christmas shows and holiday traditions.
To purchase tickets, stop at Togi’s Family Restaurant or Graham’s Florist, or reserve tickets by calling Chelsea Place at 598-9956. Tickets will be sold at the door if seats are still available.
