Parachutes of Orion space capsule tested

YUMA, Ariz., March 5 (UPI) -- NASA says it has successfully conducted a test of the parachute system that will bring the Orion space capsule to a safe landing on its return to Earth.

The drop test of the Orion crew vehicle's entry, descent and landing parachutes were held high above the Arizona desert Feb. 29 in preparation for the vehicle's orbital flight test in 2014, a NASA release said.

A test version of the capsule from dropped by an Air Force C-17 cargo plane from an altitude of 25,000 feet above the U.S. Army's Yuma Proving Grounds.

Orion's drogue chutes were deployed between 15,000 and 20,000 feet, followed by the pilot parachutes which deployed the main landing parachutes, bringing the capsule to a landing on the desert floor at a speed of 17 mph, well within the design limits, NASA said.

Orion is designed to 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, the agency said.