The flight, perhaps climbing to around 5, 000 miles above the earth, is intended to test the capsule's emergency launch-abort system, as well other systems, and Orion's protection against damage from micro-meteorites.
At the launch of the emergency appeal in September 2010, Mr Waterman said getting the railway's full length reinstated was vital for its workforce and for the local tourist economy.
The organisation representing British doctors has written to NHS bosses to call for a delay in the launch of a new non-emergency telephone advice line.