spacetoday.net: Orion passes PDR

Posted: Thu, Sep 3, 2009, 8:28 AM ET (1228 GMT)
Orion spacecraft illustration (Lockheed Martin)

NASA's Orion spacecraft, a key element in the agency's current exploration plans, passed a key design review this week but could face delays if those plans are changed. Orion, previously known as the Crew Exploration Vehicle, passed its preliminary design review (PDR), validating the current design of the manned spacecraft. Orion is being designed to launch atop the Ares 1, a launch vehicle whose future is far less clear than Orion. NASA officials warned that if the Ares 1 is cancelled, as in several scenarios under consideration by the Augustine committee, it would take up to two years to redesign Orion to launch on an alternative vehicle, such as one based on existing EELV rockets.