A successful test of the Orion crew module's energy absorbing strut concept, was performed June 9, 2009, at the Landing and Impact Research Facility, also known as the gantry. The 20,000-pound (9,072 kg) apparatus, called the Crew Impact Attenuation System Test Article, represents the Orion crew module seat pallet that will accommodate 4-6 astronauts. The test article was dropped from 18-feet (5.5 m) onto crushable honeycomb material, which is sized to represent various landing conditions Orion could face. The energy-absorbing struts will reduce loads felt by the crew during landing. Image Credit: NASA/Sean Smith
