Orion: Trial by Fire

Orion is Launched by a Delta  IV Rocket to 3600 Miles Above Earth

Orion’s first test flight was launched aboard a Delta IV heavy rocket on Dec. 5. After Orion completed one orbit, the upper stage fired again, and started a climb to 3600 miles above Earth. After reaching that altitude, equipment on board measured radiation and other parameters, then returned home, splashing into the ocean.