Ensuring Astronaut Safety: Lockheed Martin and NASA Successfully Demonstrate Orion Launch Abort System in Flight Test
press release
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., July 2, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The critical launch abort system for NASA's Orion spacecraft was put to its hardest test today, and it demonstrated its capability to pull the crew module and future astronauts to safety during a launch if there is an emergency. Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) designed and built the launch abort system for the test and is also the prime contractor building the Orion spacecraft for NASA.
The Ascent Abort-2 flight test is a major test milestone that is enabling the safe passage of astronauts aboard Orion on the Artemis missions to the Moon and then Mars.
During the test this morning from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, the Orion launch abort system, with a mock-up Orion capsule, was launched on a modified Peacekeeper missile. At 31,000 feet, or about six miles up, into the flight, the on-board computers initiated the abort sequence. The launch abort motors, generating 400,000 pounds of thrust, then pulled the Orion capsule away from the rocket which was already traveling nearly 1,000 mph. Using its attitude control motor, the abort system then reoriented itself and jettisoned the Orion capsule using its jettison motor. The total test took less than three minutes.
"The test flight performed perfectly, not to mention it was really exciting to watch," said Mike Hawes, Orion program manager for Lockheed Martin Space. "Hopefully this will be the last time we see this launch abort system ever work, but this test brings confidence that if needed on future Orion missions, it will safely pull the crew module and astronauts away from a life threatening event during launch."
The Orion launch abort system is the highest thrust and acceleration escape system ever developed and is the only system of its kind in the world. It's a major system that makes the Orion exploration-class spaceship the safest spacecraft ever built.
This is the second time the Orion launch abort system has been put to the test. The first flight test was in 2010 simulating a static abort from the launch pad. AA-2 is the final test and demonstration of the full-up launch abort system.
NASA's Orion spacecraft for the uncrewed Artemis 1 mission to the Moon is being developed at the NASA Kennedy Space Center and will soon head into environmental testing—all in preparation for a 2020 launch.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 105,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
More information about Orion and AA-2:
AA-2 animated video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HK9G7feXEk
AA-2 test footage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rfsDMGplZU
Lockheed Martin Orion page: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/orion
NASA Orion page: https://www.nasa.gov/orion
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Bombardier Launches the Learjet 75 Liberty, Opening a New Frontier for the Iconic Learjet
July 2, 2019 Montréal Aviation, Business Aircraft, Press Release
- Newest Learjet gives light jet passengers the freedom to stretch out with a six-seat configuration in the category’s longest cabin
- The Learjet 75 Liberty is a step up for light jet operators, delivering better performance for the same operating costs as the competition
- With a list price of $9.9 million U.S., the Learjet 75 Liberty puts the world’s best light jet within reach of more customers than ever
- The Learjet 75 Liberty is expected to enter service in 2020
Bombardier is proud to unveil the Learjet 75 Liberty, offering more light jet operators than ever before the opportunity to step up into the iconic platform that launched business aviation in America.
Passengers who step into the six-seat Learjet 75 Liberty will have the freedom to stretch out in the only Executive Suite in the light jet category, aboard a stunning cabin that delivers the quietest and smoothest ride.
The Learjet 75 Liberty will be offered at a list price of $9.9 million U.S., with first deliveries expected in 2020. This exceptional value proposition represents a new frontier for the Learjet brand.
“The Learjet 75 Liberty represents a step up for customers in the light jet segment, with unprecedented spaciousness and Bombardier’s renowned smooth ride,” said David Coleal, President, Bombardier Aviation. “The newest member of the Learjet family delivers a flight experience that eclipses the competition.”
The Learjet 75 Liberty offers better performance at the same operating costs as competitor aircraft. The Learjet 75 Liberty is the fastest aircraft in the light jet segment and has a greater reach than the competition. Its range of 2,080 nautical miles can connect Las Vegas to New York, Seattle to Washington, D.C., and Mexico City to San Francisco, nonstop.*
Featuring a flat floor throughout the cabin, a standard pocket door between the cockpit and the Executive Suite providing the quietest flight experience and a Gogo ATG 4G solution for seamless connectivity, the Learjet 75 Liberty offers an environment tailored for productivity.**
The Learjet 75 Liberty aircraft is certified to the FAA’s more stringent Part 25 regulations, applicable to commercial airliners, unlike most competitors in the light jet category that are certified to Part 23 regulations.
Learjet aircraft are preferred by pilots for their impressive handling characteristics and outstanding performance. The Learjet 75 Liberty will feature the advanced Bombardier Vision flight deck, and include the recently announced Garmin G5000 avionics upgrade.
Proudly assembled by a world-class team in Wichita, Kansas, Learjet aircraft represent the pinnacle of American ingenuity.
“I’m extremely proud that the Learjet 75 Liberty will be built in Wichita, where the Learjet dream first took flight,” said Tonya Sudduth, Vice President of Operations and Wichita Site, Bombardier Aviation. “Our Wichita facility today has a diverse mandate supporting Bombardier’s extensive fleet of business aircraft, but to introduce the newest member of this iconic brand is of special significance to our team.” Read more...
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