Finally Liftoff

The United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket with NASA’s Orion spacecraft mounted atop, lifts off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Space Launch Complex 37 at at 7:05 a.m. EST, Friday, Dec. 5, 2014, in Florida.

Image Credit: 

NASA/Bill Ingalls

The Orion crew module splashed down in the Pacific Ocean about 600 miles southwest of San Diego.

Image Credit: 

NASA TV

After much anticipation and a whole extra day of waiting Orion was finally launched into orbit around the Earth.  At 7:05 EST Friday December 5 Orion took off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on top of the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket.  The original launch date, December 4, was scrubbed after many difficulties with high winds, a boater, and a valve issue on the Delta IV Heavy Rocket.  The launch time was continuously pushed back until the two hour and thirty minute launch window starting at 7:05 was over.  Friday, however was a success all around.  Orion took off at the planned 7:05 and returned to Earth at 11:49.  The flight was seen as major success by all of the parties associated with the rocket and capsule.  The purpose of the mission was to test the separation systems, radiation shields, and return systems of the rocket.  By just watching the liftoff and return the separation and return systems worked like they were designed to.  The parachutes on the return of Orion slowed the module down from 20,000 mph to 20 mph before the rocket landed in the Pacific Ocean.  NASA is reporting good signs from the initial data they have received from the rocket so far for its radiation shields.  Overall this launch is another huge step for deep space exploration and for mankind.