Orion Passes First Test With Flying Colors

The Delta IV Heavy rocket with the Orion spacecraft lifts off from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Florida, Dec. 5, 2014.

In this photo provided by NASA, the United Launch Alliance Delta 4-Heavy rocket, with NASA’s Orion spacecraft mounted atop, lifts off from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Friday, Dec. 5, 2014.

The Delta IV Heavy rocket with the Orion spacecraft lifts off from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Dec. 5, 2014.

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, left, and his wife Jackie watch as the Delta IV Heavy rocket with the Orion spacecraft lifts off from the Cape Canaveral, Dec. 5, 2014.

This photo provided by NASA-TV, shows the view from the Orion spacecraft atop a United Launch Alliance Delta 4-Heavy rocket as it climbs to orbit during the first test flight, Friday Dec. 5, 2014.

In this frame grab from NASA-TV, the Orion spacecraft descends before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean, Friday, Dec. 5, 2014.

NASA astronauts, from left, Rex Walheim, Jack Fischer and Cady Coleman, cheer as they watch the landing of the Orion test flight on a television at the Press Site at the Kennedy Space Center, Friday, Dec. 5, 2014.

In this frame grab from NASA-TV, the Orion capsule floats after splashing down in the Pacific Ocean, Friday, Dec. 5, 2014.