On Dec. 5, 2014, NASAs Orion space capsule released for the very first time. This spacecraft is designed to take astronauts to the moon and even Mars.No one was on board for this test launch, however there will be astronauts launching into space inside these pills by the mid-2020s. NASAs first Orion space capsule introduces into space atop a Delta 4 Heavy rocket to begin Exploration Flight Test-1 from Cape Canaveral, Fla., on Dec. 5, 2014. (Image credit: collectSPACE.com/ Robert Z. Pearlman) For the first test launch, it lifted off on a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral. 4 and a half hours later, it crashed in the Pacific Ocean. This objective enabled NASA to check out Orions crucial elements, like the heat shield, parachutes and on-board computers.Catch up on our entire “On This Day In Space” series on YouTube with this playlist. On This Day in Space Archive! Still not enough space? Do not forget to take a look at our Space Image of the Day, and on the weekends our Best Space Photos and Top Space News Stories of the week. Email Hanneke Weitering at [email protected] or follow her @hannekescience. Follow us @Spacedotcom and on Facebook..
