NASA's new Orion spacecraft has successfully completed its final series of tests.
The environmental test, known as Multi-Point Random Vibration Testing, involved shaking Orion's crew module to simulate vibrations the spacecraft will experience during launch and ascent, according to MarketWatch.
Environmental tests help make sure the spacecraft will safely carry humans on future space missions.
Orion's first test flight is scheduled for December, Gizmag reported.
The spacecraft is set to be used for low-earth orbit, as well as manned missions in deep space. The space agency said Orion is designed for missions to asteroids near earth, in addition to future Mars voyages.
During the vibration test, engineers had two primary objectives. The first goal was to correlate test results with model predictions to ensure Orion could handle vibration levels during the test flight. The second goal involved monitoring over 20 avionics and propulsion components to demonstrate their performance while subjected to the vibration environment, MarketWatch reported.
During the flight test in December, Exploration Flight Test-1 (EFT-1), Orion will be illuminated with different radio frequency signals to make sure the spacecraft can handle all the radio frequency sources that it will be exposed to during launch, on-orbit, ascent and landing.
The radio frequency illumination will ensure that there are no disruptions to important systems on the vehicle, MarketWatch reported.
The most recent tests were conducted from April 17-24. The hull of the spacecraft was checked after each stage of testing for flaws that might have been exposed under pressure, Gizmag reported.
"It was a great accomplishment for the test team in preparation for the Exploration Flight Test-1 later this year," said Orion Program Test and Vibration lead scientist Rafael Garcia. "Following months of preparations and pretest analysis, the multi-point random vibration test was conducted without any major issues and was completed two days ahead of schedule."
Once in space, Orion will complete one full orbit, then reach 3,600 miles beyond low Earth orbit before returning. The spacecraft will come back at about 20,000 mph, with temperatures of 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This will test the spacecraft's heat shield. Orion will end by landing in the Pacific Ocean.
