This test flight marks the first time that a human occupied space vehicle has traveled so high above the earth since 1972. That year was the last of the Apollo moon missions.
During the test flight, Orion will test its heat shield, electronics, and other systems. If successful, the capsule is intended to ultimately be used to take people to mars.
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Source: http://news.yahoo.com/nasas-1st-deep-space-capsule-40-years-ready-174331851.html
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Photo Credit: Unchanged; by https://www.flickr.com/photos/walter-s-photo/7511071304
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Keywords: Orion, NASA, test flight, launch