What Happened on Orion's First Flight

NASA's Orion spacecraft completed its first test flight, Exploration Flight Test One, to evaluate its systems and technologies. The launch was delayed due to a valve malfunction but successfully took off aboard the D4 Heavy rocket. Orion reached an altitude of 5,800 km, passing through the Van Allen Belt, and tested its heat shield during re-entry. The spacecraft splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, and data from the flight is being analyzed to prepare for future missions to the Moon and Mars.

What was the main purpose of Orion's first test flight?

• To deliver supplies to the moon

• To test all of Orion's critical systems

• To explore Mars

• To carry astronauts to the International Space Station

What caused the delay in Orion's launch?

• A technical issue with the D4 Heavy rocket

• A communication error with mission control

• A malfunction in the fill and drain valve

• Bad weather conditions

How did Orion protect itself from the Van Allen Belt's radiation?

• By using a lead shield

• By traveling at a higher speed

• By using low Z materials like polyethylene

• By avoiding the radiation belt entirely

What was the primary material used in Orion's heat shield?

• Titanium

• Avcoat

• Aluminum

• Fiberglass

What was the final step in Orion's test flight?

• Returning to Cape Canaveral

• Landing on the moon

• Docking with the International Space Station

• Splashing down in the Pacific Ocean