The diagrams illustrate the main components of the Orion rocket before assembly and the configuration of the spacecraft after assembly.
Overall, the initial design consists of a tall central structure flanked by two solid rocket boosters, whereas the assembled spacecraft is shown as a compact unit comprising the crew and service modules, together with the launch escape system. The most noticeable differences are the addition of solar panels and the absence of the large fuel tank and boosters from the second diagram.
Before assembly, the orange fuel tank occupies most of the central section, with the engine positioned directly beneath it. Above the tank sits the service module, topped by the crew module and launch escape system. Two identical white solid rocket boosters are arranged symmetrically, one on either side of the fuel tank.
In the assembled configuration, the service module is attached to the rear of the main body, while the crew module is housed inside the rounded forward section, as revealed by the cutaway view. Two rectangular solar panels extend from opposite sides of the spacecraft near the junction between the service module and the main body. At the front, the launch escape system is depicted separately, although the accompanying label identifies it as attached.