GRAND FORKS, ND ( KXNET ) — A NASA space capsule used during a launch abort test will be delivered to the University of North Dakota on Monday, Aug. 26.

The capsule was used by NASA in Wallops Island, Virginia, as part of a trial run for what they would do in the event that they have to abort a launch.

If something like that were to happen, the spacecraft’s launch system would eject the capsule, which would bring the cargo and astronauts back to Earth’s surface.

The capsule weighs about 18,000 pounds and is 15 feet across.

It was first designed in June 2007 and was part of what’s known as the Max Launch Abort System, named after Maxime Faget, who developed the original Mercury escape system.

The capsule will be delivered to the campus Monday at 9 a.m., though the time is subject to change. It will be delivered to the Lunar/Mars Habitat, where students will assist with the repair work, supervised by Space Studies department chair Pablo de León.

After the students refurbish the capsule, de León will look for a place on campus where it can be permanently displayed.

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