exploration vehicle will launch into orbit. a crew of four can live in this spacecraft. it s 16 1/2 feet in diameter. it s designed to travel to asteroids, the moon, and even mars. we haven t seen anything like this, so it is a big deal. reporter: kirk black took the opportunity to see the craft with his wife and three children. his brother worked for nasa in the 80s and 90s. black said he s most impressed this vehicle promises to be safer than the space shuttle. safety alone is a big key thing. it s like we don t have to lose anybody else to that. the spacecraft is slated to launch into orbit for its initial test flight in 2013. reporter: lockheed martin engineers say a special abort system will propel the spacecraft far away from a malfunctioning launch. that system was tested successfully in new mexico last year. in the test the spacecraft hit 445 miles per hour in three seconds then parachuted safely back to earth. by building this system we can improve the safety and