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Ares I-X: On the Threshold of ExplorationAres I-X, the first flight of the Ares I crew launch vehicle, is less than a year from launch. Ares I-X will test the flight characteristics of Ares I from liftoff to first stage separation and recovery. The flight also will demonstrate the computer hardware and software (avionics) needed to control the vehicle; deploy the parachutes that allow the first stage booster to land in the ocean safely; measure and control how much the rocket rolls during flight; test and measure the effects of first stage separation; and develop and try out new ground handling and rocket stacking procedures in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) and first stage recovery procedures at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida. All Ares I-X major elements have completed their critical design reviews, and are nearing final fabrication. The first stage--four-segment solid rocket booster from the Space Shuttle inventory--incorporates new simulated forward structures to match the Ares I five-segment booster. The upper stage, Orion crew module, and launch abort system will comprise simulator hardware that incorporates developmental flight instrumentation for essential data collection during the mission. The upper stage simulator consists of smaller cylindrical segments, which were transported to KSC in fall 2008. The crew module and launch abort system simulator were shipped in December 2008. The first stage hardware, active roll control system (RoCS), and avionics components will be delivered to KSC in 2009. This paper will provide detailed statuses of the Ares I-X hardware elements as NASA's Constellation Program prepares for this first flight of a new exploration era in the summer of 2009.
Document ID
20090025484
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Davis, Stephan R. (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Askins, Bruce (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
April 14, 2009
Subject Category
Launch Vehicles And Launch Operations
Report/Patent Number
M09-0098
M09-0344
M09-0401
Meeting Information
Meeting: JANNAF Conference
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Country: United States
Start Date: April 14, 2008
End Date: April 17, 2008
Sponsors: Department of the Army, NASA Headquarters, Department of the Air Force, Department of the Navy
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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