Orion spacecraft being launched, illustration. The components of this spacecraft include the European Service Module (ESM, cylindrical) which provides electricity, propulsion, air and water. The Crew Module (conical) on top of the ESM houses four astronauts and cargo. It is designed to re-enter Earth's atmosphere, protected by its heat shield. The fairing (nose cone) protects the spacecraft during launch, while the Launch Abort System (LAS) forms the tip of this launch array. The main rocket used to launch has been jettisoned, and this is the upper stage ascending to orbit. The first Orion crewed launches are scheduled for around 2023.