How Will Orion and Altair Take Astronauts to the Moon?
Once they are both in Earth orbit, Orion will connect with Altair. Then, the top stage of the Ares V will push the two vehicles out of Earth orbit and to the moon. How Will Astronauts Land on the Moon? The four astronauts will move from the Orion capsule to Altair. The two spacecraft will separate. Altair will then travel to the moon’s surface. Orion will orbit around the moon with no one aboard. At the end of the mission, Altair will take off from the moon and connect with Orion. How Will Astronauts Return to Earth? The crew will use Orion’s main engine to leave lunar orbit and head back to Earth. Orion and its crew will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere. Parachutes will help slow Orion’s trip through Earth’s atmosphere to a safe landing. When Will the New Vehicles Fly? Plans are for the Ares I rocket to go to the International Space Station by 2015. The Orion capsule will be used then, too. The Ares V rocket will be the next vehicle to fly. The first moon mission is planned for 2020.
