Exploration Flight Test 1
Encyclopedia
Exploration Flight Test 1 or EFT-1 (previously known as Orion Flight Test 1 or OFT-1) is the first planned test flight of the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle. Set to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV Heavy
from Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
, the mission will be a multi-hour, two-orbit test of the Orion Command Module featuring a high apogee on the second orbit and a high-energy reentry at around 20,000 mph. The spacecraft will remain attached to the Delta IV's Upper Stage until reentry begins and will rely on internal batteries for power rather than photovoltaic arrays, which will not be installed. The flight is intended to test various Orion systems, including avionics
, heat shield
ing and parachute
s prior to its debut launch aboard the Space Launch System
, currently scheduled for late 2017.
Delta IV Heavy
The Delta IV Heavy is expendable rocket, the largest type of the Delta IV family.It is similar to the Medium+ , except that it uses two additional CBCs instead of using GEMs. These are strap-on boosters which are separated earlier in the flight than the center CBC. The Delta IV Heavy also features...
from Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is an installation of the United States Air Force Space Command's 45th Space Wing, headquartered at nearby Patrick Air Force Base. Located on Cape Canaveral in the state of Florida, CCAFS is the primary launch head of America's Eastern Range with four launch pads...
, the mission will be a multi-hour, two-orbit test of the Orion Command Module featuring a high apogee on the second orbit and a high-energy reentry at around 20,000 mph. The spacecraft will remain attached to the Delta IV's Upper Stage until reentry begins and will rely on internal batteries for power rather than photovoltaic arrays, which will not be installed. The flight is intended to test various Orion systems, including avionics
Avionics
Avionics are electronic systems used on aircraft, artificial satellites and spacecraft.Avionic systems include communications, navigation, the display and management of multiple systems and the hundreds of systems that are fitted to aircraft to meet individual roles...
, heat shield
Heat shield
A heat shield is designed to shield a substance from absorbing excessive heat from an outside source by either dissipating, reflecting or simply absorbing the heat...
ing and parachute
Parachute
A parachute is a device used to slow the motion of an object through an atmosphere by creating drag, or in the case of ram-air parachutes, aerodynamic lift. Parachutes are usually made out of light, strong cloth, originally silk, now most commonly nylon...
s prior to its debut launch aboard the Space Launch System
Space Launch System
The Space Launch System, or SLS, is a Space Shuttle-derived heavy launch vehicle being designed by NASA, following the cancellation of the Constellation Program, to replace the retired Space Shuttle. The NASA Authorization Act of 2010 envisions the transformation of the Ares I and Ares V vehicle...
, currently scheduled for late 2017.