NASA: Orion launch abort test stand ready

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., June 11 (UPI) -- The U.S. space agency has unveiled a vertical test stand that will be used this summer to support its Constellation program.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Alliant Techsystems said the stand will be used to test the full-scale abort motor. The launch abort system is designed to pull the crew module away from the Ares I launch vehicle in the event of a launch pad emergency or during the first 300,000 feet after launch.

"We're breaking new ground with the development of this critical motor, which must have sufficient thrust to leave the vehicle quickly and get the crew to safety," said Ted Kublin, lead engineer for the abort motor. "The launch abort system is one of the most vital components of the Orion spacecraft, requiring innovative engineering to ensure success."

The motor, more than 17 feet high and 3 feet in diameter, uses a reverse flow technology that forces hot gas through the top of the motor, allowing the resulting plume to clear the crew module. Total burn time is 5 seconds, creating 500,000 pounds of thrust, NASA said.