NASA's Orion spacecraft completes 'magnificent' test of Launch Abort System

NASA has successfully tested the ‘launch abort system’ on its Orion spacecraft - a system that could prove vital for astronauts in the future.

The test flight took place at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida at 07:00 ET (11:00 BST) today.

During the test, the 22,000 pound Orion test vehicle was launched to an altitude of 31,000 feet, before the Launch Abort System was activated.

A jettison motor then ignited, releasing the crew module (which was unmanned for the test flight) into a free-fall down into the Atlantic Ocean.

During the test, NASA also ejected 12 data recorders into the ocean, each equipped with a GPS receiver. These could be key in helping boats find to find the crew module.

Mark Kirasich, Orion programme manager, said: “It was a very smooth liftoff. By all first accounts, it was magnificent.”

The launch of the Orion spacecraft (NASA)

NASA hopes that the test flight will help pave the way for future manned missions to the Moon and then Mars.

Mr Kirasich said: “This test is extremely important.

“Our Launch Abort System is a key safety feature of the spacecraft — it will protect the crew members who fly onboard Orion during the most challenging part of the mission, which is the ascent phase.”