Orion: NASA Unmanned Test Flight for Future Mars Mission

NASA's Orion capsule is set to bring America closer to sending humans to Mars. The upcoming test flight will be unmanned, but Orion is designed for astronaut travel to the Red Planet. The initial mission involves two Earth orbits, reaching 3600 miles, higher than any human spacecraft since Apollo. Orion will return at high speeds, testing its heat shield. Future launches are planned, with a manned Mars mission at least 20 years away.

What is the primary purpose of the Orion capsule's first test flight?

How high will Orion's first journey reach compared to the International Space Station?

What speeds will Orion reach upon returning to Earth?

What is significant about the heat shield of the Orion spacecraft?

When is the next scheduled launch of the Orion spacecraft after the first test flight?