NASA's new space shuttle visits Austin

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Hundreds stopped by the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum on Saturday to see NASA's successor to the Space Shuttle.

"It has been so exciting to see so many people as excited as the space program as we are," said Olivia Fuentes with Lockheed Martin.

In May, NASA named Orion as the space program's new multi-purpose crew vehicle. When it goes into service in 2020, it will be able to bring astronauts home from the International Space Station, and even travel to an asteroid, the Moon and Mars.

One thing spectators noticed: Orion's design looks a lot like the capsules from the early space program.

"To me it seems like they've returned to the simplicity of the original with all the tech that's developed over the last 50 years," said Jill Carey.

Carey said there was no way she'd miss seeing Orion.

"I grew up with the first launches and the first man in space and this has always been a dream and something important to me," she said. "We have so much to explore that this is good news."

Her son was also excited to see the spacecraft.

"I just think it would be a really cool experience to be a part of this, build it, even be on the mission," said Alex Gurassech.

David McAllister is the project's operations manager. He was along for the ride, back in his home town of Austin.

"It's really rewarding to be able to bring this crew model to a community, especially my home town of Austin," he said.

He said he's happy to see his work helping make kids more interested in NASA.

"I'm hoping we're able to inspire some folks to get into science, get into engineering," he said. "They need to take my place to continue this."

 The spacecraft will be on display Monday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The exhibit is free.