HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) -

Orion is set to fly farther than any human-rated spacecraft since the Apollo moon program...

An estimated 26,000 guests were expected to jam Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the sunrise launch - many who just have an interest in space exploration and history, others whose connections to the Orion project run deep.

It has taken a lot of hard work to get the rocket ready for flight. About 100 folks at Marshall Space Flight Center had a hand in this mission. Some, like David Osborne, made small parts that made a big impact.

Osborne, 44, is a machinist at MSFC.

"We take something that is pretty basic, a solid material, and when we get finished with it - machining it, drilling it, cutting on it - it is a usable, functional part that will actually bolt some of the parts in the Orion," Osborne explained.

David makes small parts and big parts. He says the lighter the metal the better for space flight. Some parts are made on Apollo era machines like this huge green one ....others are created on lathes and milling machines using computers. David has made a lot of parts, hundreds by his account.

Osborne said the pride he has in his work will be passed down through his family.

"I'll be able to tell my daughter that I actually had a hand in some of what's going into space - now and for the future. I had a hand on it."

David was 2 years old the last time America traveled this far into space - too young to remember that flight. This time, he is packing up his family in New Hope and bringing them down to Cape Canaveral to see Thursday's launch in person.

Original post:

Small parts, big ambition: Assembling space history