Orion: NASA Unmanned Test Flight for Future Mars Mission

NASA's Orion capsule is set to bring America closer to sending humans to Mars. The upcoming test flight will be unmanned, but Orion is designed for astronaut travel to the Red Planet. The initial mission involves two Earth orbits, reaching 3600 miles, higher than any human spacecraft since Apollo. Orion will return at high speeds, testing its heat shield. Future launches are planned, with a manned Mars mission at least 20 years away.

What is the ultimate goal of NASA's Orion capsule program?

• To explore the Moon

• To send humans to Mars

• To orbit the Earth indefinitely

• To replace the International Space Station

How many orbits around Earth will Orion complete during its first test flight?

• Two

• Three

• Four

• One

How does the altitude of Orion's test flight compare to the International Space Station?

• It is significantly higher

• It is slightly higher

• It is the same

• It is lower

What is the maximum speed Orion will reach upon re-entry?

• 10,000 mph

• 15,000 mph

• 20,000 mph

• 25,000 mph

When is the next scheduled launch of Orion after the initial test flight?

• In seven years

• In one year

• In three years

• In five years