Article Posted on : - Sep 11, 2009

An Artistic image of 'AresI'

Ares I originally known as “Crew launch Vehicle” (CLV) is being developed under NASA’s Constellation Program to replace the retiring space shuttle.

Ares I rocket, is an in-line, two-stage rocket configuration topped by the Orion crew vehicle and its launch abort system. Both Ares I and Orion are the part of NASA's Constellation Program, to send human explorers back to the moon, and other destinations in the solar system.

In addition to the vehicle's primary mission -- carrying crews of four to six astronauts to Earth orbit -- Ares I may also use its 25-ton payload capacity to deliver resources and supplies to the International Space Station, or to "park" payloads in orbit for retrieval by other spacecraft bound for the moon or other destinations.

Ares I and Orion are currently targeted for operation no later than 2015. However, NASA is seeking to accelerate this schedule to minimize the gap in the nation’s ability to launch humans into space. Following the initial phase, Constellation will develop crew and cargo capabilities for missions to the lunar surface, no later than 2020.

The Ares I first stage is a single, five-segment reusable solid rocket booster derived from the Space Shuttle Program's reusable solid rocket motor, which burns a specially formulated and shaped solid propellant.

NASA has completed full-duration test firing of the first stage motor for the Ares I rocket without any problem. The total estimated cost to develop the Ares I through 2015 has risen from $28 billion in 2006 to more than $40 billion in 2009. – Courtesy: NASA