Orion’s Journey - Part 3: Returning Home

The video explains Orion's journey from leaving the distant retrograde orbit, using the moon's gravity to return to Earth, and safely re-entering Earth's atmosphere. Orion's engines fire to leave the orbit, approach the moon, and then use the moon's gravity to set a course back to Earth. As Orion re-enters the atmosphere, it reaches high temperatures but is protected by a heat shield, ensuring a safe landing in the Pacific Ocean.

What is the purpose of firing the engines during the Orion mission?

How close does Orion come to the moon during its mission?

What happens to Orion's service module during re-entry?

What temperature does Orion reach when it hits the atmosphere?

What safety features does Orion have to ensure a safe landing?