The NASA Orion space capsule continues to be developed by the American space agency with the possibility of an unmanned test launch to orbit as early as 2013 by a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy, [video].
Decoupled from the now cancelled Ares-1 Constellation program hardware, the Delta IV Heavy is the only launch vehicle now capable of lifting Orion to low earth orbit, according to The Space Launch Report. Nonetheless, NASA spokesman Bob Jacobs, acknowledged that space agency engineers are indeed looking at options for test flights of Orion as early as 2013, insisted no decision on a rocket had been made.
Decoupled from the now cancelled Ares-1 Constellation program hardware, the Delta IV Heavy is the only launch vehicle now capable of lifting Orion to low earth orbit, according to The Space Launch Report. Nonetheless, NASA spokesman Bob Jacobs, acknowledged that space agency engineers are indeed looking at options for test flights of Orion as early as 2013, insisted no decision on a rocket had been made.
George Sowers, ULA’s vice president of business development, has said the Delta IV could increase its lift capacity to 75 tons with the “straightforward solution” of using a liquid oxygen-hydrocarbon engine, the type recommended in Obama’s plan, reports The Decatur Daily in Alabama. Sowers says ULA engineers estimate it would take 4-4.5 years to develop a commercial launch capability using the Orion crew vehicle and an EELV.
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