Washington, DC – The Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) recently revealed concerns regarding the design of the side hatch of NASA’s Orion spacecraft. This issue could potentially impact the spacecraft’s ability to be opened in emergency situations, prompting NASA to conduct further investigations.
ASAP member William Bray discussed the ongoing scrutiny of the Orion side hatch during a public meeting on Feb. 28. While specifics were not disclosed, Bray highlighted the importance of addressing any problems that could hinder contingency operations on the launch pad or during splashdown scenarios.
NASA has been focusing on various issues related to the side hatch design for the past six to nine months. The astronaut office has been actively engaged in finding solutions, emphasizing the crucial role crew members play in resolving design flaws and operational challenges.
In its annual report released in January, ASAP briefly mentioned an “delta-pressure capability” issue concerning the side hatch. This problem has led to the necessity of conducting thorough testing to determine the system’s limits and optimize operational procedures, ensuring crew safety in all potential scenarios.
NASA spokesperson Rachel Kraft confirmed the need for additional analysis on the side hatch hinges to ensure they perform effectively under varying pressure conditions. Full-scale testing is underway to verify the hatch’s functionality and develop operational protocols that guarantee successful hatch openings in different pressure environments.
Apart from the side hatch issue, NASA is also investigating the erosion of heat shield “char” material observed during the Artemis 1 uncrewed mission in December 2022. This unexpected erosion has led to a delay in the Artemis 2 mission, originally scheduled for late 2024 and now set for no earlier than September 2025.
Despite these challenges, Bray expressed confidence in the team’s progress towards understanding the root causes of heat shield erosion. This ongoing investigation will inform decisions regarding reentry trajectories for future missions, potentially impacting Artemis 2 and subsequent Artemis 3 missions.
In conclusion, while these issues pose challenges for the Artemis program, there are currently no major obstacles that would impede the progress of Artemis 2. NASA remains dedicated to addressing these concerns to ensure the safety and success of its upcoming missions.