Michael Braukus/J.D. Harrington
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1979/5241
michael.j.braukus@nasa.gov/j.d.harrington@nasa.gov

Josh Byerly
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111
josh.byerly@nasa.gov

Amy Johnson
Langley Research Center, Hampton, Va.
757-864-7022/272-9859 (mobile)
amy.johnson@nasa.gov

MEDIA ADVISORY: M11-244

MEDIA INVITED TO ORION SPACECRAFT WATER LANDING TEST AT LANGLEY

HAMPTON, Va. -- Reporters are invited to watch a test version of the
Orion crew capsule take its final splash of the year Tuesday, Dec.
13, at the Hydro Impact Basin of NASA's Langley Research Center in
Hampton, Va.

Testing began this summer to certify the Orion spacecraft for water
landings. Orion will carry astronauts deeper into space than ever
before, provide emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during
space travel and ensure a safe re-entry and landing.

Since July, engineers have conducted six tests from different angles,
heights and pitches to simulate varying sea conditions and impacts
Orion could face upon landing in the Pacific Ocean.

The Hydro Impact Basin is 115 feet long, 90 feet wide and 20 feet
deep. It is located at the west end of Langley's historic Landing and
Impact Research Facility, where Apollo astronauts trained for moon
walks.

Journalists must arrive by 2:30 p.m. EST at Langley's main gate. The
test will occur between 3-4 p.m. Because of the nature of the
testing, an exact drop time cannot be given. If the test date changes
because of weather or technical reasons, NASA will issue an advisory.


To ensure access and badging, reporters must contact Amy Johnson at
757-272-9859 or at amy.johnson@nasa.gov by 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12.

For video and still imagery of the Hydro Impact Basin groundbreaking
Orion testing, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/langley/exploration/hib.html