NASA's Orion deep space capsule first test now eyed for 2023 launch, two years back from original test date
NASA's first crewed test of the Orion space capsule, which was initially intended to close doors on America's dependence on Russian spacecrafts to allow astronauts traveling to the International Space Station, has now been pushed two years further from the American dream.
While the test has been delayed, the space agency clarified that it will not be giving up on the original test date of 2021, adding that upon reviewing the Orion thoroughly, the group discovered that the program may need to be delayed for a manned test "no later than April 2023."
NASA officials also iterated that while its scientists and engineers will strive to achieve the original August 2021 goal, as of now, it is unlikely.
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Associate Administrator of NASA, Robert Lightfoot said, "It's not a very high confidence level, I'll tell you that, because of the history," adding that there were factors leading to the complication of the program such as the need to ensure that equipment can be reused from one mission to another, and flight software development.
According to Tech Times, the first unmanned test with the SLS was declared to be pushed back to 2018, even if an unmanned test of the Orion capsule in 2014 was able to send the spacecraft to 3,600 miles above the Earth.
Meanwhile, Universe Today reported that the delay has raised debate in the Congress, with some members stating that president Barack Obama's administration purposefully cut funds for the program.
Orion is expected to send American astronauts on several trips aimed farther into deep space than any other expedition has achieved. The journeys include ventures back to the Moon first and beyond the Asteroids, Mars, and other such deep space destinations in the Solar System.
The program's development has already cost $4.7 billion, plus another $6.7 billion committed for the intention of pursuing the project for its 2023 first crewed flight. NASA officials said getting Orion into space with humans on board is still among its main priorities.
