Ares Rocket
When you talk about the Ares rocket, there are actually three different vehicles that can be discussed: the Ares I crew launch vehicle, the Ares IV launch vehicle, and the Ares V cargo launch vehicle. So, to make things more interesting for you readers, how about we just cover them all in this one article.
Ares I is a crew launch vehicle(CLV) that NASA is developing for the Constellation program. The Ares rocket is to be used to replace the Space Shuttle program that is designed to be retired at the end of 2010. The Ares I is to be used for manned spaceflight only.
The Ares IV launch vehicle, is a proposed dual-use launcher for either the CLV or Lunar Surface Access Module(LSAM) to used in the Constellation program. It is a shuttle derived vehicle, which means that most of the technology or infrastructure has been taken from the space shuttle program and revamped for the Constellation program. The Ares rocket would measure113 m and would consist of the liquid-fueled core stage from the Ares V heavy lift launch vehicle (LV) design, two five-segment solid rocket boosters, and the liquid-fueled upper stage from the Ares I LV. Total payload capacity would be 41,100 kg to 386 km for direct trans-lunar injection.
The Ares V is the cargo launch component of the Constellation program. Initially, this Ares rocket will launch the Earth departure stage and Altair lunar vehicle when man returns to the Moon, which is currently planned for 2019, but will also serve as the principal launcher for missions beyond the Earth-Moon loop, including the program's ultimate goal, a manned mission to Mars after 2030.The Ares V will be able to carry about 188,000 kg to low Earth orbit, and 71,000 kg to the Moon. Upon completion the Ares V will be the most powerful rocket ever built. It will be lifting more into orbit than even the American Saturn V, the failed Soviet N-1, and the successful Soviet Energia booster developed for the Buran Shuttle.
You can check out more details about the Constellation program's Ares rocket by looking here for the Ares I, here for the Ares IV, and here for the Ares V. We here on Universe Today are proud to offer you a great piece on the first successful test launch of an Ares rocket. Astronomy Cast offers a good episode about the Constellation program itself.
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