November 6, 2007 9:12 AM PST
NASA Dryden's Fabrication Branch built the mock-up of the Orion crew module to test the launch abort system, which is basically a rocket on top of a rocket. The abort system is slated to work either on the launch pad or in-flight. This artist's drawing depicts the abort rocket on top of the Orion spacecraft carrying it to safety.
The first test, called Boilerplate I, is scheduled for sometime in 2008. Two launch pad abort tests and four ascent abort flight tests are planned to be completed by the end of 2011.
Photo by NASA
