NASA's 1st Orion Spacecraft Test Flight in Photos

Orion Exploration Flight Test 1: Orbit

NASA's first Orion space capsule orbits the Earth in this still from a NASA animation depicting the unmanned Exploration Flight Test 1 mission to test spacecraft systems and re-entry capabilities.

Orion Exploration Flight Test 1: Moon View

The moon appears behind NASA's first Orion space capsule in this view from a NASA animation depicting the unmanned Exploration Flight Test 1 mission to check out critical re-entry and flight systems.

Orion Exploration Flight Test 1: The View

This still from a NASA video shows the view of Earth outside the Orion space capsule's window during its two-orbit Exploration Flight Test 1, an unmanned demonstration flight to test critical flight and re-entry systems.

Orion Exploration Flight Test 1: Orbital Path

NASA's Orion spacecraft would fly up to 5,000 miles above Earth at its highest point during the two-orbit Exploration Flight Test 1 mission, a robotic fligth to check out Orion flight and re-entry systems.

NASA's Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle in Testing

The Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle being assembled and tested at Lockheed Martin's Vertical Testing Facility in Colorado

Construction Begins on Flight Version Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicles

Construction on the first space-bound Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Module began with the first weld at the Michoud Assembly Facility on Sept. 9. 2011. This capsule will be used during Orion's first test flight in space.

Booster Cores for Delta 4 Heavy Rocket

The three first-stage booster cores for United Launch Alliance's Delta 4 Heavy rocket are seen here inside the Horizontal Integration Facility at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on May 7, 2014. The Delta 4 Heavy will launch NASA's Orion capsule on its first test flight in December 2014.

Delta 4 Heavy Rocket Coming Together for EFT-1

A United Launch Alliance technician monitors progress as core booster elements of a Delta IV Heavy rocket are being integrated in preparation for Exploration Flight Test-1, which is due to launch in December 2014.

Two Stages of Delta 4 Heavy Rocket Mated for EFT-1

The two stages of the Delta 4 Heavy rocket that will launch NASA's Orion capsule on its first test flight come together inside the Horizontal Integration Facility at Florida's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in September 2014.