Khrunichev says the heavy-lifter has been undergoing pad tests at Plesetsk Cosmodrome since mid-November

"Every system on the spacecraft functioned by the book -- from start to finish," NASA's Rob Navias reported from Mission Control

"It was just magnificent, a dawn launch," said NASA astronaut Rex Walheim, who flew aboard NASA's final space shuttle mission, STS-135, in July 2011. "I'd love to fly on Orion."

"Very exciting," said Mark Geyer, NASA's Orion project manager. "The launch itself was just a blast. We're looking forward for the rest of the day."

A precise launch date for the 2018 flight test has not been set, though NASA is expected to determine a new target date by late spring 2015.

A precise launch date for the 2018 flight test has not been set, though NASA is expected to determine a new target date by late spring 2015.

"We'll go make sure we have a happy rocket," vowed United Launch Alliance COO Dan Collins. "As soon as we do that, we will get back to the pad and send Orion off to a very successful flight."

NASA, Lockheed Martin look to a second launch attempt on Friday at 7:05 a.m., EST.