ASTRONAUTS are preparing to go even further into deep space - beyond the Moon and eventually to Mars - with the help of switches made by a Nexus supplier.

US company OTTO Engineering is working on a contract to create switches for NASA’s Orion Spacecraft - which is built to take humans to the next stage of space exploration.

Orion is the first spacecraft in history which is capable of taking astronauts to multiple destinations in deep space, and will serve as an exploration vehicle which provides life-sustaining support for a crew of four astronauts.

Orion will launch on NASA’s new heavy-lift rocket, the Space Launch System. This rocket can transport humans, habitats, and support systems directly into deep space. It is designed to be flexible for a crew, cargo, or science mission.

On a visit to the OTTO plant, former astronaut Navy Capt. Scott Altman - who helped design the Orion - told workers that, "Great things are just over the horizon. We've got to do the homework first (and) build the right components."

OTTO has supplied parts for previous space missions, including the Apollo spacecraft and the space shuttle programme. It was awarded the Orion command module contract two years ago. The module is being built in New Orleans.

NASA’s current schedule is to be ready to send an Orion capsule flying past the moon by 2023, with four crew members on board - the furthest humans have ever travelled into the solar system. An earlier lunar mission without crew is planned for 2020.

The crewed lunar mission intends to confirm the spacecraft’s performance in deep space, as a step towards long-term exploration to worlds beyond, including Mars.

General Manager David Ross has described Otto engineers as ‘ecstatic’ to be involved in the project - which involves creating intricate, high-performance switches to the highest possible standard.

The pressure is on - the switches have to work. There is no room for error in space. And whilst earlier space flights rely heavily on mission control, a crew going to Mars could be out for over two years. The length of the mission - and the distance from Earth - will mean the crew and their vehicle will have to be more self-sufficient.

Engineers will extensively test the components designed for the Orion to make sure that they hold up under the most demanding conditions the universe has to offer.
OTTO has been designing and making components for over 55 years, and the company is recognised worldwide for innovation and reliability, in unique applications.

The company is committed to recruiting and training its local workforce to the highest standards and offering a salary that proves the value of a career in manufacturing. It is building a new $20 million technology and manufacturing centre, which will create space to train apprentices.

Nexus supplies a full range of OTTO products, from flight grips to simple push buttons. As with all our products, they can be customised to your specific needs, and offer a high level of innovation and performance.

As recommendations go, it’s hard to beat the backing of NASA! You can see our range of OTTO products here:  http://nexuscomponents.co.uk/Manufacturers/Products/OTTO
Photo credit - NASA