FAA Closer to Allowing Orion To Return to Earth
FAA Reentry License to Lockheed Martin Corp. for Reentry of Orion MPCV From Earth Orbit to a Location in the Pacific
“In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA; 42 United States Code 4321 et seq.), Council on Environmental Quality NEPA implementing regulations (40 Code of Federal Regulations parts 1500 to 1508), and FAA Order 1050.1E, Change 1, Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures, the FAA is announcing the availability of the ROD to issue a reentry license to Lockheed Martin Corporation for the reentry of the Orion MPCV from Earth orbit to a location in the Pacific Ocean.”
Please note the main subject: NEPA. . ., as in environmental. It does not mean that Orion has been issued the actual FAA reentry license.
Regarding the article it is basically saying that the Orion reentry has met some environmental requirements, and this helps towards getting that reentry license. The Environmental is a major requirement (and the longest pole in the licensing tent), but that is only one (albeit major) part of the overall licensing process. Getting over that NEPA hurtle is a big deal and helps loads; but from what I understand, the licensing process is something that’s still in work.
This is only for the EFT-1 mission and not the Orion program. EFT-1 is commercially launch and hence the reason for this documentation.
Back to splash downs? How antiquated.
I’ve had 2 kids since the first time I saw Orion return to Earth, from a gantry, and make a big splash in that Langley pool. I think Orion might set a Guinness record for years-worth of splash downs, parachute tests and big rig road trips prior to human space travel in 2021.
If the program survives that long.