Ailynn Collins - Mars or Bust!: Orion and the Mission to Deep Space

Astronauts are an important part of any successful space mission. But hundreds of people work on the ground providing support to the astronauts. These workers include scientists, engineers, technicians, designers, pilots, and radio operators. Some gather data from spacecraft and launch facilities. Others analyze data and make decisions based on their findings.

If problems arise in space, theres little time to make critical decisions. This is why engineers and scientists do with astronauts. They work together to find solutions to issues. That way, they can be ready if the same issues happen in space.

What will astronauts need to survive in deep space? Humans need air, food, and water to live. Astronauts also need space to move, especially during long missions. And the spacecraft will need to be kept at the correct temperature.

When designing Orion, during liftoff. This area will also be a living space during their mission.

Astronauts and engineers inspect Orions docking hatch.

Orions crew module can fit up to six astronauts on board. It will be about 16 feet (5 m) wide and 10 feet (3 m) high. No matter how hot or cold space is outside, the module will stay at 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius). Astronauts wont have a lot of room, but scientists will try to make them as comfortable as possible.

a 2015 digital drawing of Orion

As space missions last longer, astronauts will need more room to move inside. Scientists will base new designs on how astronauts live on the ISS.

. The panels will gather energy from the sun to provide electricity for the spacecraft. Three panels make up a solar array wing. Each wing is 22 feet (6.7 m) long. The spacecraft has four solar array wings. When Orion is in darkness, rechargeable batteries will store power until the solar panels can be used again.

a view of what the inside of Orions crew module will look like

At the end of Orions mission, the service module will fall away. Only the heat shield. Its the largest heat shield in the world and is located at the base of the crew module. The shield will focus the heat away from the astronauts inside. Once Orion gets through the atmosphere, strong parachutes will help it land safely in the ocean. Then U.S. Navy ships will pick up the astronauts.

Solar panels will collect the suns energy to make electricity for Orion.

One of NASAs space exploration plans is called Moon to Mars. The moon is much closer to Earth than Mars. This makes it an ideal place to develop new technology and systems for deep space. What we build and learn on the moon can be used on future missions to Mars.