Question

Which statements describe the Orion crew exploration vehicle? Check all that apply.

It will replace the satellite Explorer 1.
It will capture an asteroid to collect samples.
It will have new and improved safety features.
It will be useful in the Journey to Mars program.
It will serve some of the functions of the space shuttle.

Answer 1

Correct answers:
- It will have new and improved safety features. — True. Orion was designed with upgraded crew‑safety systems (launch abort, improved heat shield, life‑support, etc.).
- It will be useful in the Journey to Mars program. — True. Orion is a deep‑space crew vehicle intended to support missions beyond low Earth orbit, including Mars planning.
- It will serve some of the functions of the space shuttle. — True. Orion will handle crew transport and deep‑space re‑entry/capability roles that partially replace shuttle functions (though it is not a direct shuttle replica and lacks the shuttle’s cargo bay/winged reentry).

Not correct:
- It will replace the satellite Explorer 1. — False. Explorer 1 was an early U.S. satellite; Orion is a crewed spacecraft, not a replacement for that satellite.
- It will capture an asteroid to collect samples. — False as written. NASA once proposed an Asteroid Redirect concept where a robotic vehicle would bring an asteroid/boulder into lunar orbit for astronauts in Orion to visit and sample; Orion itself would not do the robotic capture.