Orion Abort Test Booster
The Orion Abort Test Booster (ATB) is a small solid rocket launcher which will be developed by Orbital Sciences Corporation under contract by U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, Space Development and Test Directorate (SDTD).[1][2]
Its goal will be to demonstrate and qualify the Orion Launch Abort System (LAS) that will allow the astronaut crew to safely escape in the event of an emergency during launch pad operations and through the ascent of the Orion vehicle.
While the first test was at one point planned for 2015, in early 2013 a decision was made to postpone abort testing until after the 2017 uncrewed maiden flight of the SLS vehicle.[3]
The ATB can be considered as the successor to Little Joe II. It is to be based on a converted Peacekeeper missile stage.
See also
References
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