Dec 5, 2011

Michael Braukus/J D Harrington Headquarters, Washington 202-358-1979/5241 michael j braukus@nasa gov/j d harrington@nasa gov

Josh Byerly Johnson Space Center, Houston 281-483-5111 josh byerly@nasa gov

Amy Johnson Langley Research Center, Hampton, Va 757-864-7022/272-9859 (mobile) amy johnson@nasa gov

MEDIA ADVISORY: M11-244

MEDIA INVITED TO ORION SPACECRAFT WATER LANDING TEST AT LANGLEY

HAMPTON, Va -- Reporters are invited to watch a test version of the Orion crew capsule take its final splash of the year Tuesday, Dec 13, at the Hydro Impact Basin of NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va

Testing began this summer to certify the Orion spacecraft for water landings Orion will carry astronauts deeper into space than ever before, provide emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and ensure a safe re-entry and landing

Since July, engineers have conducted six tests from different angles, heights and pitches to simulate varying sea conditions and impacts Orion could face upon landing in the Pacific Ocean

The Hydro Impact Basin is 115 feet long, 90 feet wide and 20 feet deep It is located at the west end of Langley's historic Landing and Impact Research Facility, where Apollo astronauts trained for moon walks

Journalists must arrive by 2:30 p m EST at Langley's main gate The test will occur between 3-4 p m Because of the nature of the testing, an exact drop time cannot be given If the test date changes because of weather or technical reasons, NASA will issue an advisory

To ensure access and badging, reporters must contact Amy Johnson at 757-272-9859 or at amy johnson@nasa gov by 4 p m Monday, Dec 12

For video and still imagery of the Hydro Impact Basin groundbreaking Orion testing, visit:

http://www nasa gov/centers/langley/exploration/hib html

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