The Orion spacecraft for Nasa’s Artemis I mission is in view inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay on 28 October. Credit: Nasa/Ben Smegelsky.

Space agency Nasa has completed fitting three spacecraft adapter jettison fairing panels into Orion’s European Service Module inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at its Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, US.

The installation of fairing panels came after teams from across the world recently completed the installation of four solar array wings.

Measuring 14ft-high and 13ft-wide each, the fairing panels were inspected and moved into place for installation by technicians and Orion’s lead contractor Lockheed Martin.

The jettison panels will separate from the service module using a series of timed pyrotechnics, or firings, enabling solar array wings to unfurl and provide energy, which will propel and power the spacecraft during the mission.

Following this, the spacecraft will undergo final assembly activities, including the installation of the forward bay cover, which protects the upper part of Orion, including its parachutes, throughout its mission.

The team will also perform final adjustments of the main parachutes, securing and testing of electrical connections, as well as the closure and latching of the side hatch.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Nasa in a statement said: “As each area of the vehicle is closed out, it will undergo final inspections to complete production. The spacecraft will then begin its path to the pad, including stops along the way to be fuelled and integrated with its launch abort system and, ultimately, the SLS rocket for launch from Launch Pad 39B.”

Prior to launch, Artemis I will test the Orion spacecraft and SLS rocket as an integrated system.

Nasa aims to land the first woman and the next man on the Moon in 2024 under the Artemis programme.

Last month, Lockheed Martin contracted aerospace and defence technology company Northrop Grumman to provide additional components for the Orion human spaceflight capsule’s launch abort system (LAS).