NASA MLAS (launch abort system) test video

[Dr Mordrid]

MLAS is one of the launch abort systems proposed for the now canceled Orion spacecraft. It may live on as a system for one of the private space companies, or not, but either way this is one very cool video (OGG format).

VLC player in case your system can't open it...

Link.....(save as will work)

[KRSESQ]

I gather from the spectators' reactions, it was a successful test. To me it looked like an old Estes rocket going up.

I know the fins were there just to stabilize the test vehicle, but I thought they looked kind of cool. Buck Rogers-ish. How much extra weight could it possibly add to attach some purely cosmetic fins to the final flight vehicle? Make it look a little like Fireball XL5 (or Fireball Jr., anyway).

I must drop a note to the director of NASA.

Kevin

[Dr Mordrid]

I'm sure Gen. Bolden will be glad to hear from you

Those fins are part of the package.

Personally I think the Orion LAS tower concept, another 'tractor' that pulls the spacecraft up, has a better future; lighter with the same power, simpler and cheaper to make. Then there is Blue Origin's liquid fueled 'pusher' system. It sits under the spacecraft and pushes it up. No pix of it yet

LAS tractor