Topic: NASA successfully tests escape system for capsule that may never launch

[sam]

At a test in the New Mexico desert this morning, NASA carried off what it called a successful test of a launch abort system for Orion, the crew capsule designed to return astronauts to orbit and beyond after the space shuttle retires this year or next. The system, which would rocket the crew to safety in the event of an emergency on the launch pad or during ascent, roared into the sky at 9:00 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time from White Sands Missile Range. A dummy crew capsule then detached and parachuted back to Earth about two minutes later.

http://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/post.cfm?id=nasa-successfully-tests-escape-syst-2010-05-06

[Rik]

They seem to have taken an awfully long time to develop such a system, Sam.

[Clive]

It may never launch but much has been learnt from its development.  

[sam]

indeed... and time taken, yes seems a bit strange..