NASA Tests Orion Spacecraft Launch Abort System

NASA Tests Orion Spacecraft Launch Abort System

The Launch Abort System, or LAS, is positioned atop the Orion crew module. It is designed to protect astronauts if a problem arises during launch by pulling the spacecraft away from a failing rocket. Weighing approximately 16,000 pounds, the LAS can activate within milliseconds to pull the vehicle to safety and position the module for a safe landing. The LAS is comprised of three solid propellant rocket motors: the abort motor, an attitude control motor, and a jettison motor.