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NASA’s Christina Birch Tests Orion Spacecraft for Artemis Program
Weeks before completing her astronaut training, NASA’s Christina “Chris” Birch was involved in testing the fit of the Orion spacecraft that will support Artemis program astronauts ahead of upcoming moon missions. Birch recently participated in a practice splashdown exercise for Artemis 2, where she, alongside a large team, evaluated recovery procedures for astronauts returning from missions around the moon.
During the exercise off the coast of San Diego in the Pacific Ocean, Birch stepped in and out of Orion to assess the recovery process post-splashdown. Reflecting on the experience, she described it as remarkable and a valuable learning opportunity, emphasizing the importance of hands-on training in a field environment.
Recovery Exercise for Artemis 2 Mission
Birch, along with Canadian astronaut Jenni Gibbons and the crew of Artemis 2, engaged in an extensive recovery exercise that involved various teams working in the Pacific last month. The Artemis 2 crew comprises NASA commander Reid Wiseman, NASA pilot Victor Glover, NASA mission specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency mission specialist Jeremy Hansen. The exercise was a crucial step in simulating real-life scenarios to prepare for the upcoming missions.
The recovery procedures included the utilization of helicopters, the USS San Diego vessel, and personnel from NASA and the Department of Defense, employing rafts, swimmers, and support equipment in the ocean. Birch expressed her eagerness to support future missions by gaining insights into the crew’s experiences through such exercises.
Role in Orion Spacecraft Development
Following her graduation, Birch’s primary assignment involves contributing to the development of the Orion spacecraft, a critical component of NASA’s moon missions and the Gateway station in lunar orbit. Working closely with experienced Orion technicians, Birch aims to bring a fresh perspective to the program by asking pertinent questions and collaborating with the team.
Birch will collaborate with fellow NASA astronaut Randy Bresnick, who oversees the development and testing of hardware for the Artemis program. Together, they aim to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Orion spacecraft to ensure its readiness for upcoming missions.
Artemis 2 and Artemis 3 are the next missions in NASA’s Artemis program, aimed at facilitating moon landings. Despite minor delays, progress continues on these missions, following the success of Artemis 1, which sent an uncrewed Orion spacecraft to lunar orbit and back. NASA’s collaboration with over 30 countries under the Artemis Accords highlights the global commitment to space exploration and cooperation in lunar missions.
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