Lockheed, NASA to Further ‘Orion’ Spacecraft Testing in Late 2019

Lockheed Martin is preparing its Orion spacecraft for testing activities at NASA’s Plum Brook Station in Cleveland ahead of the Artemis 1 uncrewed lunar orbit test flight, NASA Spaceflight reported Friday.

The company conducted functional assessments of Orion’s crew and service modules following assembly, testing and integration activities which concluded in July.

Scott Wilson, production operations manager for NASA's Orion program, said the team also conducted “mission testing” or simulation-based ground exercises to “make sure each system functions the way it should.”

Once ready, Orion will be assembled into a horizontal orientation and transported using a Super Guppy aircraft to the Plum Brook facility for simulated exercises meant to mimic extreme thermal and in-space vacuum conditions.

NASA and Lockheed expect Orion to be ready for delivery to Cleveland by late October or early November.