Orion spacecraft, Space Operations Simulation Center unveiled by Lockheed Martin

The SOSC currently supports integrated testing of Orion's Relative Navigation System, which includes STORRM (Sensor Test for Orion RelNav Risk Mitigation) -- a new navigation and docking system that will be tested on the upcoming STS-134 shuttle mission to the International Space Station. STORRM is one of the major subsystem tests that will be completed before Orion’s first orbital flight test in 2013, that will conduct high-altitude orbits and a high-energy reentry that simulate the environments of a deep space mission.SOSC operations support critical development, evaluation, and testing necessary to ensure safe, successful human and robotic missions to Earth-orbiting platforms, planets, moons or other bodies in the solar system. In addition, the center tests ranging, rendezvous, docking, proximity operations, imaging, descent, and landing systems.The SOSC is built upon a 1,700-foot-deep Colorado bedrock formation and is isolated from local seismic disturbances. This foundation provides an ultra-stable environment for testing precision instruments and accurate navigation systems needed for space vehicles. The 41,000-square-foot facility also holds a Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Gold rating for its high efficiency environmental controls, energy-saving lighting systems, and native vegetation landscaping.Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor to NASA for Orion, a multipurpose exploration spacecraft capable of exploring destinations throughout our solar system. The Orion spacecraft comprises a crew module for crew and cargo transport; a service module for propulsion, electrical power and fluids storage; a spacecraft adapter for securing it to the launch vehicle, and a launch abort system that will significantly improve crew safety.Since beginning work on NASA's Orion spacecraft, Lockheed Martin has independently and concurrently created a variety of scenarios to develop increasingly challenging missions for an affordable and sustainable path to Mars. Called Stepping Stones, the mission scenarios include Plymouth Rock, an asteroid mission; L-2 Farside, a mission to the Lagrangian Point over the far side of the moon; and Red Rocks, a mission to the moons of Mars that would complement robotic missions on the Martian surface.Lockheed Martin leads the Orion industry team, which includes major subcontractors as well as a nationwide network of minor subcontractors and small businesses.