How NASA used an unmanned aerial system to track the Orion spacecraft's return
In short: When NASA's Orion crew module returned to Earth in 2014, it didn't land alone. An unmanned aerial system, known as Ikhana, played a critical role in monitoring the spacecraft during its final descent and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.
On December 5, 2014, the Orion spacecraft launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida at 7:05 a.m. EST. After completing its mission, the crew module splashed down in the Pacific Ocean approximately 4.5 hours later.
To ensure a successful recovery, NASA deployed the Ikhana Unmanned Aerial System to track the module from the air. The splashdown occurred 600 miles southwest of San Diego, where the Ikhana provided essential aerial surveillance during the recovery process.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Orion and Ikhana UAS
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