The first full joint testing between NASA and the U.S. Navy of the Orion spacecraft recovery procedures off the coast of California was suspended after the team experienced issues with handling lines securing a test version of Orion inside the well deck of the USS San Diego. Tests were being conducted to prepare for recovery of Orion after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean at the end of its first spaceflight.
Several test objectives were accomplished before the remaining tests were called off, including successful recoveries of the forward bay cover and parachute, and demonstrations of the coordination required between the team onboard the ship and mission control in Houston.