The next stage will the preparation of the preliminary design and publication of the draft orders, which is expected by April 2014.

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The Orion capsule, which is intended to carry at least four astronauts into Earth orbit and beyond, has completed its preliminary design review, or PDR.

BBC: Spaceship passes critical review

The completion of the so-called System Requirements Review and System Definition Review allows program managers to proceed into the rocket's preliminary design phase, NASA officials said.

MSN: Giant deep-space rocket passes key test - Technology & science - Space - Space.com | NBC News

Orion has just passed its preliminary design review and a test version of the Ares 1 stands ready at the Kennedy Space Centre for a demonstration flight in October.

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Some sources suggested that could be the result of preliminary design work being done for projects later scrapped due to lack of financing or other matters that could result in slower payments.

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Congress authorized the new auctions over a year ago, but auction design has barely moved from the preliminary stages.

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But he thinks, since it will take years to design and construct such a facility, it won't matter if all but the most preliminary of work is delayed still further.

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