Orion EFT-1 Ancillary Payload Statements
Aerospace Industries Association (AIA)
Statement by Aerospace Industries Association President and CEO Marion C. Blakey on the historic Orion
Exploration Flight Test
“AIA is honored to be commemorated in the historic test flight of Orion, which represents the
first step toward resuming American deep space exploration since our last moon mission more
than forty years ago. We’re proud to support NASA and its exploration program which promotes
U.S. space leadership and inspires the next generation of aerospace engineers and scientists.
AIA and its member companies have been active in advancing our space enterprise across all
sectors from defense to civil and commercial applications. Our sincerest congratulations to
NASA, Lockheed Martin and the entire Orion industry team on this important milestone in our
nation’s space endeavors.”
American Astronautical Society (AAS)
“The American Astronautical Society is extremely pleased to have the opportunity to include
commemorative flags in the auxiliary payload of Orion EFT-1. These flags were produced in
recognition of the Society’s 60th Anniversary this year, and having them aboard the first Orion
flight is a memorable way to mark this milestone and an important symbol of AAS’ support for
the future of human space exploration. We are delighted to be joining this significant step in
the human exploration of space!”
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
“The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is honored to have been
selected to contribute small American flags to the auxiliary payload on NASA’s Orion Exploration
Flight Test-1. As the world's largest technical society dedicated to the global aerospace
profession, AIAA members have been involved in nearly every advancement in modern U.S.
aerospace, and the Orion program is no exception. With the successful EFT-1 mission and
splashdown of the Orion Crew Module, the United States will be one step closer to sending
humans beyond low-Earth Orbit for the first time since 1972, and AIAA is proud to
commemorate the flight with American flags. Teamwork has been the foundation for all that we
have achieved in aerospace, and AIAA celebrates the entire Orion team—especially NASA,
Lockheed Martin Corporation, and United Launch Alliance—reaching another significant
milestone.”
Dr. Maya Angelou
“The Angelou Johnson Family and Caged Bird Legacy, LLC is pleased to continue the life work of
Dr. Maya Angelou by contributing the following poems and materials to NASA’s Orion program
and in commemoration of Orion’s first flight test. Our matriarch has always held the global and
spiritual belief that as children of God ‘we are more alike, than unalike’. Dr. Maya Angelou's
desire to spread goodwill among and beyond the nations is realized and supported in this
project. Just as the Orion Exploration Program's educational and global significance will be
realized throughout time, we provided these works to travel the known world as a way to
continue the legacy of us all.”
1|Page
POEMS
• Brave & Startling Truth
• When Great Trees Fall
• Our Grandmothers
• On the Pulse of Morning
• Phenomenal Woman
• And Still I Rise
• Caged Bird
• Weekend Glory
BOOK
•
I Shall Not Be Moved
Mayim Bialik
“The Big Bang Theory” actress and neuroscientist, Mayim Bialik, submitted photos of her ancestors to
soar to space aboard Orion. These photos signify the journey made by her family to build a life in the new
world and the opportunities that have becomes available through the generations.
"[In the photo I am sending on the Orion] are my mother's grandparents, Yitzchok Elya and
Chaya Liba. They were peddlers from Muncacz, which was the border of Hungary and
Czechoslovakia. My middle name is Chaya, for my great-grandmother, and my brother carries
my great grandfather's name. They never had electricity and they each were widows who
brought to their marriage several children each who became my grandmother's half siblings.
They did not survive the holocaust, and of the 12 children they had, 6 survived and made it to
America. That I live in a world where I can send something to space is mind-boggling,
considering where I came from." – Mayim Bialik
Challenger Center
“We are thrilled to support and celebrate the Orion-EFT-1 flight and our partners NASA and
Lockheed Martin. Challenger Center builds on student’s natural enthusiasm for space through
our network of more than 40 Challenger Learning Centers. We fly kids into space each day
through our simulated space missions and excite them about STEM subjects and future STEM
careers. The Orion-EFT-1 flight is an amazing occasion for our Center to reach into their
communities, celebrate the flight, and once again emphasize the importance of STEM
education. We were honored to include American flags in the auxiliary payload, and look
forward to organization wide special events, activities and viewing parties at our Centers.
Challenger Center joins with NASA, Lockheed Martin, and Orion partners, as all of us step
forward to new exploration achievements!"
2|Page
Cosmos Chamber Orchestra
The Cosmos Chamber Orchestra is comprised of musically talented individuals from around the
world. With over thirty musicians from fifteen different countries, this small ensemble is representative
of every inhabited continent on Earth.
“The Cosmos Chamber Orchestra was proud to be asked to participate in Orion’s Exploration
Flight Test. In only three days, we came together to perform Andante Festivo by Jean Sibelius in
the Ehrbar Saal in Vienna, Austria. The piece was arranged for the World's Fair in New York City
in 1939. The piece encompasses a variety of characteristics; it contains the potential to be the
music that any person could need at any given time. One could find a lullaby, a hymn, a piece of
nationalistic pride, or discover sounds indicative of human community. It is music descriptive of
human emotion. The Cosmos Chamber Orchestra is pleased that our recording of Andante
Festivo will travel aboard Orion to the far reaches of space.”
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
“The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is proud and excited to be a part of Orion’s historic
journey into space. By sending the first Tyrannosaurus Rex into space onboard Orion EFT-1, we
hope to inspire future generations of scientists. This is one small step for a Museum, one giant
leap for dinosaur-kind!”
Entertainment Industries Council
EIC Co-Founder Brian Dyak and Executive Vice President Larry Deutchman are sending Crash Test
Dummies to space! Brian and Larry are the co-inventors of the characters which drove the “Buckle Up”
campaign and made seat belt usage a universal theme, not only in communities nationwide, but also in
television series. Brian and Larry went on to create animated products, comic books, extensive toy lines
and video games with these characters, who are still seen today as a symbol of safety. They have also
included an EIC branded “Buckle Up” keychain. Brian has also enclosed a golf tee from an EIC
tournament and a small replica of The Constitution of the United States.
“Movies, videos and multimedia content with technological, scientific and even design storylines
are magnets for youth that can launch them into technical careers, filling existing workforce
gaps and creating the innovation necessary to propel not only the entertainment industry, but
also other industries and our nation into a bright future,” said Brian Dyak, President and CEO of
EIC. “Creators spark imagination and dreams that, through ingenuity, can become the realities
of tomorrow. The entertainment industry participants in the Orion mission are leaders who
entertain and inspire our future.”
Jon Favreau
Iron Man Director Jon Favreau is sending his “Iron Man Director’s Challenge Coin” to space with Orion.
Representing engineering, technology and flight, Iron Man transcends generations and even has had his
own adventures in space, making this contribution one that will further enhance the conversation among
young people about the importance of space research and discovery for years to come.
3|Page
"Iron Man was a big part of my life. I'm glad that that experience can be capped with a space
flight. Our space program has led the charge in world technology and now I'm happy to be a
small part of it." -- Jon Favreau
Marshall Davis Jones, on creating original words to commemorate Orion EFT-1
“Throughout history, story has been a driving force for our development.
Capturing moments in time, we are able to celebrate our achievements and inspire new ones.
Writing this poem to commemorate our next great leap was both an honor and a privilege.
These words leaving our orbit, reminds me that as our story continues, someone must be there
to tell it. Who'd of thought that the power of poetry belonged on this world and would carry us
to the next. I've never been more inspired.”
National Institute of Aerospace (NIA)
“The National Institute of Aerospace (NIA), a leading non-profit research, education and
outreach institute, was extremely proud to collaborate with NASA and Lockheed Martin on the
NASA Exploration Design Challenge (EDC). We are very pleased to have the logos of our
member universities flown on Orion's First Test Flight, and to be a part of this first major step on
the journey to Mars.”
National Symphony Orchestra
“The National Symphony Orchestra salutes the Orion unmanned test flight, a first step in NASA’s
long-term goal of sending astronauts to Mars, and marks the centennial of the composition of
Gustav Holst’s The Planets with a DVD carrying an excerpt of the movement “Mars,” recorded
live during the NSO’s Young People’s Concerts October 2014.”
Purdue University Libraries, Virginia Kelly Karnes Archives and Special Collections Research Center,
Barron Hilton Flight and Space Exploration Archives
“Also on board are items from Purdue University, the alma mater of 23 NASA astronauts.
Purdue Libraries’ Division of Archives and Special Collections provided a group photograph taken
at the University’s 1999 Purdue Astronaut reunion. Also included is a photograph of Neil
Armstrong and Eugene Cernan, the first and last men to walk on the moon, raising the American
flag acknowledging a cheering crowd at Purdue’s football stadium in 2007. Lastly, two small felt
Purdue pennants are on board. These items stand to represent Purdue University’s
contributions to the U.S. Space Program – by not only its astronauts but by the generations of
engineers and scientists who have graduated from Purdue and gone on to work for NASA and in
the aerospace industry. “ The photographs are copies on special archival photographic paper
and the pennants were acquired by the Archives especially for the Orion flight.”
Credit as: Courtesy of the Purdue University Libraries, Virginia Kelly Karnes Archives and Special
Collections Research Center, Barron Hilton Flight and Space Exploration Archives
Sally Ride Science
“When the late Sally Ride became the first American woman to soar into space, she captured
the nation’s imagination as a symbol of the ability of women to break barriers. But Sally’s
historic flight represented just one aspect of a remarkable life—she was also a physicist, a
science writer, and an inspirational advocate for science literacy. It is only fitting that NASA’s
4|Page
Orion spacecraft—designed to carry humans to deep space and eventually to Mars—carry the
STS-7 crew patch that Sally wore on her first spaceflight and an excerpt from Sally and Tam
O’Shaughnessy’s The Mystery of Mars children’s book on its maiden flight.”
William Shatner
Actor William Shatner submitted his Collector Edition (No. 005835) Captain James T. Kirk in an
environmental suit to symbolize his time on Star Trek. Shatner brought space exploration to life with a
character that continues to entertain and excite audiences. A noted space enthusiast, Shatner is thrilled
to send Kirk back to space and support Orion, while inspiring future generations about space travel.
“With the Orion MPCV, we stand on the edge of a new era of manned exploration. The
excitement of lunar exploration and then on to Mars is on our doorstep and this is the
beginning.” – William Shatner
The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum
“The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, steward of almost all flown U.S. spacecraft,
recognizes the significance of this test flight of the next generation space exploration crew
vehicle. We are pleased to send a few symbols of past successes on this flight: an oxygen hose
from an Apollo lunar EVA suit representing humanity's first ventures to another world, the
Museum's own flag first flown on the space shuttle orbiter Discovery in 1984 representing the
era of living and working in space, and a futuristic sculpture awarded by the Museum as a
trophy for current and lifetime achievements in aerospace representing innovation and
excellence. We look forward to their return from space as some of Orion's first ‘passengers.’
Best wishes to NASA, Lockheed Martin, and the entire Orion team!”
Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC)
“The Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) is sending 25 flags with their logo on-board
Orion’s first flight test. To commemorate SGAC’s 15th anniversary, the SGAC flags on-board
Orion EFT-1 are a symbol of international support for space exploration, and underlines the
message that students and young professionals in the SGAC network from around the world are
pursuing: to push boundaries and keep exploring! The SGAC flags serve as a reminder of the role
of the next generation of space leaders in ushering in a new era of space exploration. Go Orion!“
Space Policy Institute at George Washington University
"The Space Policy Institute at George Washington University has trained and developed leaders
in national and international space policy for several decades. As part of the Elliott School of
International Affairs, one of the nation's leading schools of international affairs, the Institute is
committed to promoting international space cooperation and development. We are proud and
honored to have the opportunity to include some small school mementos in the payload for
Orion EFT-1; a test flight which is the next step in creating safe and reliable U.S. access to space.
We look forward to Orion and her future sister ships traveling beyond low Earth orbit in the
company of other spacefaring nations."
5|Page
Summer Science Program
The Summer Science Program included two covers from an Orion special edition of its Universal
Times newsletter, for display at each of its two campuses. Twenty SSP-logo lapel pins were also
flown, to be given to individuals meriting special recognition for long service as volunteers for
this unique nonprofit.
U.S. Naval Academy
“The U.S. Naval Academy is proud to be the alma mater of 53 NASA astronauts, the most for any
academic institution in this country. The Academy is honored to having included in the payload
of the first test flight of Orion a Naval Academy command coin, as well as emblems of the
Aerospace Engineering Department and the Rocketry Team, who are competing in NASA’s
Student Launch Challenge. We look forward to watching as many of our graduates fly Orion on
the humanity’s journey to Mars and beyond.”
Claudia Wells
“Back to the Future” actress Claudia Wells delivered signed cast photos, all with unique messages to
Orion and NASA for the Orion mission along with a signed Delorian model. These items represent the
unity between space, engineering, technology and entertainment that inspired and thrilled generations
of fans! Claudia will keep the items on display and as part of her continuous showcasing of “Back to the
Future” at fan events, meet and greets and comic con events to elevate the conversation around space,
travel and film.
“There are no words to describe my excitement, and honor, at being a part of the NASA Orion
Mission. Of course, I had to include a DeLorean Time Machine for the journey! A small one, that
is. I'm incredibly blessed by this opportunity, and cannot wait to be at the actual launch! This is
my childhood dreams coming true. Please count me in as a passenger when humans are on the
shuttle going to Mars!” – Claudia Wells
will.i.am; i.am.angel Foundation
will.i.am and the i.am.angel Foundation are honored to contribute to the Orion mission a special 3Dprinted robot sculpture designed by talented students from Boyle Heights, east Los Angeles. The piece
represents the importance of empowering students with skills in STEAM (science, technology,
engineering, arts and math), in order to be the next generation of innovators, to push humanity forward.
"If it wasn’t for the work of NASA, would we have the technology we have today? For us to
continue to advance, we need to remember how important it is to empower youth with the
STEAM skills they need to invent for tomorrow. Giving kids the opportunity to create something
for the Orion mission is truly inspirational." — will.i.am
Pharrell Williams; From One Hand To Another
Pharrell Williams and From One Hand To Another celebrate the Orion initiative to “take humans farther
than they have ever gone before.” FOHTA is pleased to collaborate with NASA in the education of young
people and the fostering of a curiosity about all things STEAM. Our mission is to change the world one
kid at a time by providing them the tools and resources to meet their unique potential. Orion's journey
represents the culmination of many dreams and is an inspiration to students we encourage to dream big!
6|Page
We are honored to be able to celebrate our student’s accomplishments by contributing a series of
student produced public service announcements to the spacecraft’s payload.
Nolan Williams, Jr., Denyce Graves and NEWorks Productions
“On the eve of our Nation's first step toward our next giant leap into the new space era,
NEWorks Productions is honored to contribute a limited-edition sound recording of the iconic
anthem, We Shall Overcome, arranged by American songwriter Nolan Williams, Jr. for choir and
orchestra, featuring acclaimed Mezzo Soprano Denyce Graves and the Martin Luther King, Jr.
National Memorial Dedication Choir. This one-of-a-kind sound recording especially
commemorates NASA's Exploration Flight Test-1 of Orion, in cooperation with Lockheed Martin
Corporation, and NEWorks is delighted to contribute it, in the forms of a special-edition CD and
choral score publication, to this NASA mission. Commissioned by Georgetown University,
Williams' majestic arrangement of We Shall Overcome was premiered on the Kennedy Center
Concert Hall stage by the National Symphony Orchestra and Ms. Graves in January 2006. It was
later performed as part of the Dedication Ceremony of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National
Memorial in October 2011. Given the history of this arrangement and the symbolism of this
song, NEWorks has produced this new recording to duly honor humankind's enduring quest for
exploration and discovery. As our nation embarks on a new era of international cooperation in
human space endeavors, may the lyrics of this anthem compel us all the more towards this
realization: We shall live in peace someday.”
World Space Week
World Space Week has provided small flags that will be flown on Orion EFT-1.
"World Space Week is an international celebration of science and technology, and their
contribution to the betterment of the human condition. The United Nations General Assembly
declared in 1999 that World Space Week will be held each year from October 4-10 and is
coordinated by the United Nations with the support of the World Space Week Association
(WSWA). WSWA is the global, volunteer-based, non-profit organization, working to encourage
events by global participants during World Space Week. It serves as the central hub of a global
network of 1,000 organizations and volunteers in 80 nations which hold the largest space event
on Earth."
7|Page