NASA is preparing to launch Orion on its first flight test. The test, which will involve the unmanned aircraft, is to begin on December 4.

According to the official statement, “The spacecraft and its United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket are on track to lift off Thursday at 7:05 a.m. EST, the opening of a 2 hour, 39-minute window for the day.”

Before the launch, engineers and technicians are preparing for the flight by determining what the conditions inside Orion will be like as the spacecraft makes its way through high radiation and extreme temperatures. The flight is designed for astronauts, although there will be no humans onboard during this flight test.

Steps are being taken to ensure a smooth flight into space for Orion’s initial departure. Launch pad teams are working on and preparing closeout lists and duties to ensure Orion and its components, such as crucial instruments and recorder, are ready to withstand the demands of space travel.

According to nasa.gov, the Orion Flight Test will evaluate launch and high speed re-entry systems such as avionics, attitude control, parachutes and the heat shield.