Ares V
The Ares V was a US launch vehicle from the Ares range under development . It was specially developed for launches of the Altair lunar module , but should also be used for other unmanned missions. In its current configuration, the Ares V would have been able to carry up to 188 tons in low Earth orbit or 71 tons to the moon. Together with her sister rocket Ares I had them part of the Constellation program of NASA . On February 1, 2010, the discontinuation of the Constellation program was announced.
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The Ares V is based on two stages, both of which are operated with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. The first stage uses this fuel in six RS68B engines , which are additionally supported by two solid rocket rockets similar to those of the space shuttle . During their two-minute deployment, they burn Ammonium Perchlorate Composite Propellant , a mixture that uses ammonium perchlorate as an oxidizer and aluminum as a fuel. They will be recovered after the flight and, if possible, reused. The tank section is similar in structure to the outer tank of the Space Shuttle, but has been enlarged in diameter to be able to hold more fuel. The boosters are produced and serviced by Alliant Techsystems near Brigham City, Utah. The RS68B engines are manufactured by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne .
The second stage, the so-called Earth Departure Stage (EDS), is powered by a J-2X engine, also produced by Rocketdyne, and brings the payload into low earth orbit. The J-2X engine based on the J-2 rocket engine of the upper stage of the Saturn V . From there, the EDS can re-ignite its engine and bring the payload to a higher orbit, on course towards the moon or on an escape route.
Development history
The planning of the Ares V began at the same time as the Ares 1, but was advanced at a considerably slower pace, as the rocket would not be needed until 2018. Nevertheless, the first changes to the concept have already been made. The originally planned four SSME engines were initially replaced by five RS68B engines in order to increase performance and reduce costs. Since the performance was insufficient, a sixth engine was added in 2006 and the size of the first stage was changed.
Launch site
Only launches were planned from Launch Complex 39A of the Kennedy Space Center .
Start list
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- ↑ NASA: The J – 2X Engine , accessed January 7, 2015.
- ↑ Overview: Ares V Cargo Launch Vehicle. NASA, accessed April 14, 2009 .
- ↑ Study reveals a six RS-68 and 5.5 segment booster for Ares V. NASASpaceflight, June 15, 2008, accessed April 14, 2009 .
Web links
- NASA project page
