Mated

The first European hardware to arrive at NASA for Orion is the European Service Module structural test article. This test version of the service module has the same weight and configuration as the real thing and will undergo advanced testing at NASA’s Plum Brook Station in Ohio, USA.

In this picture the European Service Module structural test article is being ‘mated’ to the Crew Module Adapter, which connects the service module to the Orion Crew Module.

Once mating is complete the Service Module will weigh 13 000 kg in total. The Service Module will be placed on a shaker and vibrated to recreate the stress of launch.