Orion

NASA’s Orion spacecraft will carry astronauts further into space than ever before using a module based on Europe’s Automated Transfer Vehicles (ATV).

ATV’s distinctive four-wing solar array is recognisable in this concept. The ATV-derived service module, sitting directly below the crew capsule, will provide Orion’s power, thermal control and propulsion.

The first Orion mission will be an uncrewed test in 2017, travelling more than 5000 km from Earth and returning home more than 8000 km/h faster than any current human spacecraft.