While preparing extensively for the first test flight of the Orion spacecraft that will bring astronauts to Mars, NASA is also carefully weighing the risks of tomorrow's launch.

The primary goal of the Orion Exploration Flight Test-1 is to test Orion's key systems. The test flight will be unmanned.

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The launch is set for tomorrow, December 4. Orion will be attached to a United Launch Alliance Delta 4 heavy rocket. It will orbit the planet twice at a distance of 3,600 miles and will be exposed to extreme conditions during its launch, spaceflight and re-entry.

NASA's Stephanie Schierholz, however, said everyone is excited about this mission that will mark NASA's first step towards manned missions to Mars.

At the end of its 4.5 hour spaceflight, the Orion capsule will plunge into the Earth's atmosphere at high speed to test its specially developed heat shield, which is the largest ever built.

Schierholz says Orion will re-enter the atmosphere at 20,000 miles per hour, and will endure extreme temperatures of 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

After penetrating the atmosphere, Orion will deploy its parachute system to slow it down in preparation for splashdown. NASA will use data from the test flight to make Orion safer for the astronauts that will fly her into space and eventually to Mars.

NASA is aware of the serious risks facing the mission crews, especially the team that will handle the recovery of the capsule after it splashes down into the Pacific Ocean.

Jeremy Graeber, recovery director for Orion's test flight, said the open ocean is a dangerous environment. He believes the vehicle shouldn't pose any threat to the recovery team since it's a test flight. He's concerned, however, that some of the systems won't be 100 percent safe when Orion splashes down.

Systems that could be dangerous after Orion returns will be the capsule's propellant, ammonia and "radiating elements" used for Orion's telemetry systems. Graeber says safeguards will be in place so the recovery team remains safe when handling the spacecraft.

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