Space Zoo Patrol – Large Crew Capsules for Space Transportation

 

By  Kirk Shireman, Orion Program Manager, Lockheed Martin

  1. What is the name of the technology? 

Our large crew capsule is named “Orion”.

  1. What does it do?

Orion is NASA’s spacecraft that will take humans deep into space, and Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor building the Orion crew module. Orion will transport humans to interplanetary destinations beyond low Earth orbit, such as asteroids, the moon and eventually Mars, and return them safely back to Earth.

  1. How does it work?

The technology our engineers use to build the only exploration class spacecraft to take humans deeper into space than ever before puts Orion in a call all of its own. A few key technologies include:

    • Life Support Systems: Advanced environmental control and life support systems designed for long duration missions keeps the crew safe and healthy with clean air to breathe and clean water to drink.
    • Radiation Protection:Needed to protect crew and spacecraft systems from cosmic and solar radiation seen in deep space which is much more severe than the radiation experience on Earth or in Low Earth Orbit.
    • Deep Space Communications & Navigation:Unique systems designed specifically for deep space travel. Where Orion is going, there are no GPS or communications satellites.
    • Redundancy:When coming back home quickly isn’t an option, reliable and redundant systems will ensure that critical elements such as computers remain operable if something goes wrong.
  1. How is it better than the older technology?

While Orion looks like Apollo and draws on many of the tried and true technologies of that capsule, there are some key differences between Orion and the Apollo crew module including:

    • Size: At 315 cubic feet, Orion’s crew module provides 30 percent more cubic volume of space than the Apollo capsule.
    • Computing Power: Orion’s master computer provides significantly faster computing speed over other human spaceflight vehicles: in fact, it’s 4,000 times faster than Apollo’s!
  1. What classes should I take in school to work on this?

A strong background in math and science is critical, so taking classes in algebra, calculus, chemistry, and physics are important. Additionally, classes in computer science and software engineering can be beneficial for working on the capsule’s control systems and software.

In college, you can focus on classes in aerospace engineering, which will cover spacecraft design, propulsion systems, and structural analysis. Courses in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering,  computer science, and systems engineering are also valuable, as they provide a solid foundation in the mechanics of spacecraft systems and the integration of complex components.

  1. Pictures

Large Crew Capsules for Space Transportation 1

 https://www.flickr.com/photos/lockheedmartin/albums/72157626004211734/

  1. Links

Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor building Orion https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/orion.html