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This diagram illustrates the Space Shuttle mission sequence. The Space Shuttle was approved as a national program in 1972 and developed through the 1970s. Part spacecraft and part aircraft, the Space Shuttle orbiter, the brain and the heart of the Space Transportation System (STS), required several technological advances, including thousands of insulating tiles able to stand the heat of reentry over the course of many missions, as well as sophisticated engines that could be used again and again without being thrown away. The airplane-like orbiter has three main engines, that burn liquid hydrogen and oxygen stored in the large external tank, the single largest structure in the Shuttle. Attached to the tank are two solid rocket boosters that provide the vehecile with most of the thrust needed for liftoff. Two minutes into the flight, the spent solids drop into the ocean to be recovered and refurbished for reuse, while the orbiter engines continue burning until approximately 8 minutes into the flight. After the mission is completed, the orbiter lands on a runway like an airplane. n/a

This diagram illustrates the Space Shuttle mission sequence. The Space...

This diagram illustrates the Space Shuttle mission sequence. The Space Shuttle was approved as a national program in 1972 and developed through the 1970s. Part spacecraft and part aircraft, the Space Shuttle or... More

A ground-to-air view of the space shuttle Challenger during liftoff from launch complex 39A at 7:33 a.m. EDT. Aboard the Challenger for the seventh launch of the Space Transportation System are CMDR Bob Crippen, pilot Frederick H. Hauck, and mission specialists Sally Ride, John M. Fabian and Dr. Norman Thagard

A ground-to-air view of the space shuttle Challenger during liftoff fr...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Kennedy Space Center State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released to Publ... More

GEN Thomas Stafford, left, accompanies Secretary of the Air Force John C. Stetson as they tour the base. A Space Transportation System (STS) shuttle is in the background

GEN Thomas Stafford, left, accompanies Secretary of the Air Force John...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Charles E. Spizzirri Release Status... More

A view of facilities in the Space Transportation System (STS) under construction

A view of facilities in the Space Transportation System (STS) under co...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released... More

An overall view of the Space Transportation System (STS) under construction

An overall view of the Space Transportation System (STS) under constru...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released... More

A view of a domelike facility in the Space Transportation System (STS) under construction

A view of a domelike facility in the Space Transportation System (STS)...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released... More

A view of a flame bucket in the Space Transportation System (STS) under construction

A view of a flame bucket in the Space Transportation System (STS) unde...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: AMN Mark Elijah Frisby Release S... More

A view of a launch pad rolling track in the Space Transportation System (STS) under construction

A view of a launch pad rolling track in the Space Transportation Syste...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: AMN Mark Elijah Frisby Release S... More

A view of a flame bucket in the Space Transportation System (STS) under construction

A view of a flame bucket in the Space Transportation System (STS) unde...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: AMN Mark Elijah Frisby Release S... More

AN aerial view of the Space Transportation System (STS) shuttle Columbia aboard the mobile launcher platform (MLP) as it leaves the vehicle assembly building (VAB) and heads toward Launch Pad 39. The shuttle is undergoing preparations prior to its maiden flight

AN aerial view of the Space Transportation System (STS) shuttle Columb...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Kennedy Space Center State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released to Publ... More

The Space Transportation System (STS) shuttle Columbia aboard the mobile launcher platform as it arrives at Launch Pad 39 at dusk. The shuttle is undergoing preparations prior to its maiden flight

The Space Transportation System (STS) shuttle Columbia aboard the mobi...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Kennedy Space Center State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released to Publ... More

The Space Transportation System (STS) shuttle Columbia aboard the mobile launcher platform as it arrives at Launch Pad 39 after leaving the vehicle assembly building (VAB). The shuttle is undergoing preparations prior to its maiden flight

The Space Transportation System (STS) shuttle Columbia aboard the mobi...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Kennedy Space Center State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released to Publ... More

AN aerial view of the Space Transportation System (STS) shuttle Columbia aboard the mobile launcher platform (MLP) as it leaves the vehicle assembly building (VAB) and heads toward Launch Pad 39. The shuttle is undergoing preparations prior to its maiden flight

AN aerial view of the Space Transportation System (STS) shuttle Columb...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Kennedy Space Center State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released to Publ... More

A night view of the Space Transportation System (STS) shuttle Columbia on Launch Pad 39. The shuttle is being prepared for its first flight

A night view of the Space Transportation System (STS) shuttle Columbia...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Kennedy Space Center State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released to Publ... More

The Goodyear Blimp passes near the Space Transportation System (STS) shuttle. The shuttle, with access arms in place, is undergoing preparations prior to its maiden flight

The Goodyear Blimp passes near the Space Transportation System (STS) s...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Kennedy Space Center State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released to Publ... More

The Space Transportation System (STS) shuttle Columbia, with access arms in place, at Launch Pad 39. The shuttle is undergoing preparations prior to its maiden flight

The Space Transportation System (STS) shuttle Columbia, with access ar...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Kennedy Space Center State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released to Publ... More

The Space Transportation System (STS) shuttle Columbia is being moved on the mobile launcher platform from the vehicle assembly building (VAB) to Launch Pad 39 before its first flight

The Space Transportation System (STS) shuttle Columbia is being moved ...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Kennedy Space Center State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released to Publ... More

The Space Transportation System (STS) shuttle Columbia on Launch Pad 39. The shuttle is undergoing preparations prior to its maiden flight

The Space Transportation System (STS) shuttle Columbia on Launch Pad 3...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Kennedy Space Center State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released to Publ... More

Personnel at the Space Transportation System (STS) Launch Control Center prepare for the launch of the shuttle Columbia

Personnel at the Space Transportation System (STS) Launch Control Cent...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Kennedy Space Center State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released to Publ... More

A night view of the Space Transportation System (STS) shuttle Columbia on Launch Pad 39. The shuttle is undergoing preparations prior to its maiden flight

A night view of the Space Transportation System (STS) shuttle Columbia...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Kennedy Space Center State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released to Publ... More

Aerial view of Space Launch Complex No. 6, Space Transportation System, being constructed

Aerial view of Space Launch Complex No. 6, Space Transportation System...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released... More

Aerial view of Receiving, Inspection, and Storage Facility, Space Transportation System, being constructed

Aerial view of Receiving, Inspection, and Storage Facility, Space Tran...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released... More

Aerial view of Space Launch Complex No. 6, Space Transportation System, being constructed

Aerial view of Space Launch Complex No. 6, Space Transportation System...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released... More

Aerial view of Space Launch Complex No. 6, Space Transportation System, being constructed

Aerial view of Space Launch Complex No. 6, Space Transportation System...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released... More

Space Transportation System-1 space shuttle Columbia lifts off from Complex 39A

Space Transportation System-1 space shuttle Columbia lifts off from Co...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Eastern Space & Missile Ctr State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released ... More

DRYDEN FLIGHT RESEARCH CENTER, CALIF.  -   Orbiter Columbia "flares out" for a landing at Rogers dry lake Runway 23, successfully completing the historic first flight for the Space Shuttle.  Astronauts John Young, Commander, and Robert Crippen, Pilot, crewed the spacecraft for the first full test of the Space Transportation System. STS-1, known as a shuttle systems test flight, seeks to demonstrate safe launch into orbit and safe return of the orbiter and crew and verify the combined performance of the entire shuttle vehicle -- orbiter, solid rocket boosters and external tank. KSC-81PC0425

DRYDEN FLIGHT RESEARCH CENTER, CALIF. - Orbiter Columbia "flares ou...

DRYDEN FLIGHT RESEARCH CENTER, CALIF. - Orbiter Columbia "flares out" for a landing at Rogers dry lake Runway 23, successfully completing the historic first flight for the Space Shuttle. Astronauts John You... More

The orbiter Columbia sits on Rogers Drylake Runway 23 at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center after its return from Earth orbit. Columbia's landing completed the first full test of the Space Transportation System

The orbiter Columbia sits on Rogers Drylake Runway 23 at NASA's Dryden...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released to... More

The space shuttle orbiter Columbia lifts off from Complex 39A. Aboard for the Space Transportation System (STS-3) mission are Colonel Jack R. Lousma, Commander, and Colonel Charles C. Fullerton, pilot

The space shuttle orbiter Columbia lifts off from Complex 39A. Aboard ...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Kennedy Space Center State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released to Publ... More

A view of the Space Transportation System (STS-4) Columbia, seconds after being launched from Pad 39A. This is the fourth space shuttle mission and it is piloted by CDR Ken Mattingly and Henry Hartsfield Jr

A view of the Space Transportation System (STS-4) Columbia, seconds af...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Kennedy Space Center State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released to Publ... More

The space shuttle orbiter Columbia lifts off from Complex 39A at 10:59 a.m. EDT. Aboard for the Space Transportation System (STS-1) mission are astronauts Ken Mattingly, Commander, and Henry Hartsfield, pilot

The space shuttle orbiter Columbia lifts off from Complex 39A at 10:59...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Kennedy Space Center State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released to Publ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-4 thunders away from Launch Pad 39A at 10:59:59 a.m. EDT, bound for a seven-day Earth orbital mission and the final developmental flight for the Space Transportation System. The fourth Space Shuttle mission is piloted by Commander Ken Mattingly and Pilot Henry Hartsfield Jr. Photo Credit: NASA KSC-82PC-0669

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-4 thunders away from Launch Pad 39A at 10:5...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-4 thunders away from Launch Pad 39A at 10:59:59 a.m. EDT, bound for a seven-day Earth orbital mission and the final developmental flight for the Space Transportation System. The fourt... More

A view of STS-4 lifting off from launch pad 29A for a seven-day earth orbital mission and the final developmental flight for the Space Transportation System

A view of STS-4 lifting off from launch pad 29A for a seven-day earth ...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Country: Unknown Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

An overall view of the Space Transportation System (STS) construction site

An overall view of the Space Transportation System (STS) construction ...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: SRA Eric C. Baker Release Status... More

The space shuttle orbiter Challenger lifts off from Complex 39A at 7:33 a.m. EDT. Aboard the seventh flight of the Space Transportation System (STS-7) are: Bob Crippen, commander; Frederick H. Hauck, pilot; and mission specialists Sally Ride, John Fabian and Dr. Norman Thagard

The space shuttle orbiter Challenger lifts off from Complex 39A at 7:3...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Kennedy Space Center State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released to Publ... More

A left rear view of the Space Transportation System 7 (STS-7) shuttle Challenger touching down on the runway at the end of its mission

A left rear view of the Space Transportation System 7 (STS-7) shuttle ...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Wilson Release Status: Released to ... More

A left rear view of the Space Transportation System 7 (STS-7) shuttle Challenger touching down on the runway at the end of its mission

A left rear view of the Space Transportation System 7 (STS-7) shuttle ...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Wilson Release Status: Released to ... More

A left side view of the Space Transportation System 7 (STS-7) shuttle Challenger touching down on the runway at the end of its mission

A left side view of the Space Transportation System 7 (STS-7) shuttle ...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Wilson Release Status: Released to ... More

A left side view of the Space Transportation System 7 (STS-7) shuttle Challenger being attended to by members of the ground crew after completing its mission

A left side view of the Space Transportation System 7 (STS-7) shuttle ...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Wilson Release Status: Released to ... More

The space shuttle orbiter Challenger (STS-8) lifts off from Pad A, complex 39 at 2:32 am EDT for the first night launch of the Space Transportation System. the STS-8 mission will conclude wih a nighttime landing at Edwards Air Force Base, California

The space shuttle orbiter Challenger (STS-8) lifts off from Pad A, com...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Kennedy Space Center State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Nasa Release Status: Released to Public ... More

The space shuttle orbiter Challenger lifts off from Complex 39 during the first night launch of the Space Transportation System (STS). Aboard for the mission (STS-8) are: Richard Truly, commander; Daniel Brardenstein, pilot; and mission specialists Dale G

The space shuttle orbiter Challenger lifts off from Complex 39 during ...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Kennedy Space Center State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released to Publ... More

The space shuttle orbiter Challenger (STS-8) makes the first nighttime landing of the Space Transportation System as it touches down on Runway 22 at 12:40 am PDT at the end of a six-day mission. Aboard the shuttle are: Richard H. Truly, commander; Daniel Brandenstein, pilot; and mission specialists Guion S. Bluford, Dale A. Gardner and Dr. William E. Thornton

The space shuttle orbiter Challenger (STS-8) makes the first nighttime...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Nasa Release Status: Released to Pu... More

The space shuttle orbiter Challenger (STS-8) makes the first nighttime landing of the Space Transportation System as it touches down on Runway 22 at 12:40 am PDT at the end of a six-day mission. Aboard are Richard H. Truly, commander; Daniel Brandenstein, pilot; and mission specialists Guion S. Bluford, Dale A. Gardner and Dr. William E. Thornton

The space shuttle orbiter Challenger (STS-8) makes the first nighttime...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Nasa Release Status: Released to Pu... More

An HH-3 (foreground) and a CH-3 amphibious transport helicopter stand by on the ramp of a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) runway for the launch of Space Transportation System 41-D. The helicopters are from Detachment 15 of the 39th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Wing, Patrick AFB, Florida

An HH-3 (foreground) and a CH-3 amphibious transport helicopter stand ...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Kennedy Space Center State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: A1C J.S. Smorto Release Status: Released... More

Three space shuttle crewmen assigned to Space Transportation System (STS) mission number 44 (STS-44) talk with Grady Bannister, second from left, technical director of the U.S. Army Electronic Proving Ground (USAEPG) at the fort. The shuttle crewmen are, from left: Air Force COL. Fred Gregory, shuttle commander; Army CHIEF Warrant Officer 3 Tom Hennon, mission specialist; and Dr. Story Musgrave, mission specialist. STS-44 is scheduled for late July 1991

Three space shuttle crewmen assigned to Space Transportation System (S...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Subject Operation/Series: MISSION NUMBER 44 Base: Fort Huachuca State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Eli... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Media gather in the Assembly and Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to see the aft skirt for the Ares I-X flight test, targeted for launch in July 2009.  The I-X flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with Ares I,  part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond. Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-1999

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Media gather in the Assembly and Refurbishment ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Media gather in the Assembly and Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to see the aft skirt for the Ares I-X flight test, targeted for launch in July 2009. The... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  STS-113 Mission Specialist John Herrington suits up for launch.  Herrington will be making his first Shuttle flight. This is also the first launch of the first tribally enrolled Native American astronaut -- John B. Herrington -- on Space Transportation System. The primary mission for the crew is bringing the Expedition 6 crew to the Station and returning the Expedition 5 crew to Earth.  The major objective of the mission is delivery of the Port 1 (P1) Integrated Truss Assembly, which will be attached to the port side of the S0 truss.  Three spacewalks are planned to install and activate the truss and its associated equipment.  Launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-113 is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. EST. KSC-02pd1785

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-113 Mission Specialist John Herring...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-113 Mission Specialist John Herrington suits up for launch. Herrington will be making his first Shuttle flight. This is also the first launch of the first tribally enrolled N... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers begin adhering the Constellation patch on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd3802

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers begin adhering the Constellation patch on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segment... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers adhere a decal of the U.S. flag on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd3805

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers adhere a decal of the U.S. flag on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers remove the final cover from the U.S. flag decal affixed to one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd3806

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers remove the final cover from the U.S. flag decal affixed to one of the Ares I-X upper stage... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers begin adhering the Constellation patch on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd3801

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers begin adhering the Constellation patch on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segment... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments bears the decal of the U.S. flag.  The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd3807

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments bears the decal of the U.S. flag. The upper stag... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers begin adhering a decal of the U.S. flag on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd3804

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers begin adhering a decal of the U.S. flag on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segmen... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments bears the Constellation patch. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd3803

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments bears the Constellation patch. The upper stage ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments bears the decal with the logo of the Constellation Program. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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.    Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3818

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments bears the decal with the logo of the Constellatio... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a worker removes the last piece of cover from the final Ares I-X logo on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments.  The decal identifies the Ares I-X as a development test flight, which is targeted to launch in 2009. Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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.    Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3817

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a worker removes the last piece of cover from the final Ares I-X logo on one of the Ares I-X upper s... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a worker begins adhering the final Ares I-X logo on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments.  The decal identifies the Ares I-X as a development test flight, which is targeted to launch in 2009.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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.    Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3815

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a worker begins adhering the final Ares I-X logo on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segme... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a worker begins adhering the final Ares I-X logo on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments.  The decal identifies the Ares I-X as a development test flight, which is targeted to launch in 2009. Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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.    Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3816

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a worker begins adhering the final Ares I-X logo on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segm... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments bears the decal of the NASA insignia. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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.    Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3819

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments bears the decal of the NASA insignia. The upper s... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an overhead view shows the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments.  The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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.    Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3814

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an overhead view shows the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The upper stage simulator will... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  The upper stage simulator segments are positioned across the floor of the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  Four of the segments are already stacked.  The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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. The upper stage simulator comprises 11 segments, each approximately 18 feet in diameter.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd3931

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The upper stage simulator segments are positi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The upper stage simulator segments are positioned across the floor of the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Four of the segments are alr... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  The upper stage simulator segments are positioned across the floor of the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  Four of the segments are already stacked.  The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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. The upper stage simulator comprises 11 segments, each approximately 18 feet in diameter.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd3933

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The upper stage simulator segments are positi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The upper stage simulator segments are positioned across the floor of the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Four of the segments are alr... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  The upper stage simulator segments are positioned across the floor of the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  Four of the segments are already stacked.  The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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. The upper stage simulator comprises 11 segments, each approximately 18 feet in diameter.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd3932

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The upper stage simulator segments are positi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The upper stage simulator segments are positioned across the floor of the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Four of the segments are alr... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  The upper stage simulator segments are positioned across the floor of the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  Four of the segments are already stacked.  The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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. The upper stage simulator comprises 11 segments, each approximately 18 feet in diameter.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd3930

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The upper stage simulator segments are positi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The upper stage simulator segments are positioned across the floor of the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Four of the segments are alr... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers pack the parachutes that will be used in the Ares I-X development flight in July 2009.  The first stage of the new Ares I rocket and Orion spacecraft will use parachutes to return to Earth. Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd3961

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NAS...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers pack the parachutes that will be used in the Ares I-X development flight in July 2009. The fir... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the parachutes are packed for the Ares I-X development flight in July 2009.  The first stage of the new Ares I rocket and Orion spacecraft will use parachutes to return to Earth. Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd3965

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NAS...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the parachutes are packed for the Ares I-X development flight in July 2009. The first stage of the new... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers pack the parachutes that will be used in the Ares I-X development flight in July 2009.  The first stage of the new Ares I rocket and Orion spacecraft will use parachutes to return to Earth. Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd3962

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NAS...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers pack the parachutes that will be used in the Ares I-X development flight in July 2009. The fir... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the parachutes are packed for the Ares I-X development flight in July 2009. The first stage of the new Ares I rocket and Orion spacecraft will use parachutes to return to Earth. Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd3966

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the parachutes are packed for the Ares I-X development flight in July 2009. The first stage of the new... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers pack the parachutes that will be used in the Ares I-X development flight in July 2009. The first stage of the new Ares I rocket and Orion spacecraft will use parachutes to return to Earth. Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd3959

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NAS...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers pack the parachutes that will be used in the Ares I-X development flight in July 2009. The firs... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers pack the parachutes that will be used in the Ares I-X development flight in July 2009. The first stage of the new Ares I rocket and Orion spacecraft will use parachutes to return to Earth. Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd3958

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NAS...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers pack the parachutes that will be used in the Ares I-X development flight in July 2009. The firs... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the parachutes are packed for the Ares I-X development flight in July 2009. The first stage of the new Ares I rocket and Orion spacecraft will use parachutes to return to Earth. Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd3964

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the parachutes are packed for the Ares I-X development flight in July 2009. The first stage of the new... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers straighten the straps of the parachutes they are packing that will be used in the Ares I-X development flight in July 2009. The first stage of the new Ares I rocket and Orion spacecraft will use parachutes to return to Earth. Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd3960

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NAS...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers straighten the straps of the parachutes they are packing that will be used in the Ares I-X deve... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers pack the parachutes that will be used in the Ares I-X development flight in July 2009.  The first stage of the new Ares I rocket and Orion spacecraft will use parachutes to return to Earth. Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd3963

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NAS...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers pack the parachutes that will be used in the Ares I-X development flight in July 2009. The fir... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a ballast assembly is lowered into the Ares I-X segment 7 (at center). Ballast assemblies are being installed in the upper stage 1 and 7 segments and will mimic the mass of the fuel. Their total weight is approximately 160,000 pounds.  Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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. The Ares I-X is targeted for launch in July 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2009-1215

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a ballast assembly is lowered into the Ares I-X segment 7 (at center). Ballast assemblies are bei... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, work is under way to install ballast in the Ares I-X segments stored there.   These ballast assemblies will be installed in the upper stage 1 and 7 segments and will mimic the mass of the fuel. Their total weight is approximately 160,000 pounds. Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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. The Ares I-X is targeted for launch in July 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2009-1209

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Buildin...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, work is under way to install ballast in the Ares I-X segments stored there. These ballast ass... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –    In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers get ready to attach cables to the ballast for installation in the Ares I-X segments. These ballast assemblies will be installed in the upper stage 1 and 7 segments and will mimic the mass of the fuel. Their total weight is approximately 160,000 pounds.  Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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. The Ares I-X is targeted for launch in July 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2009-1210

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Buildi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers get ready to attach cables to the ballast for installation in the Ares I-X segments. T... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a ballast assembly is lowered into the Ares I-X segment 7. Ballast assemblies are being installed in the upper stage 1 and 7 segments and will mimic the mass of the fuel. Their total weight is approximately 160,000 pounds.  Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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. The Ares I-X is targeted for launch in July 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2009-1214

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a ballast assembly is lowered into the Ares I-X segment 7. Ballast assemblies are being installed... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a ballast assembly is moved above the Ares I-X segment 7. Ballast assemblies will be installed in the upper stage 1 and 7 segments and will mimic the mass of the fuel. Their total weight is approximately 160,000 pounds. Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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. The Ares I-X is targeted for launch in July 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2009-1212

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a ballast assembly is moved above the Ares I-X segment 7. Ballast assemblies will be installed in... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a ballast assembly is lowered into the Ares I-X segment 7. Ballast assemblies are being installed in the upper stage 1 and 7 segments and will mimic the mass of the fuel. Their total weight is approximately 160,000 pounds. Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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. The Ares I-X is targeted for launch in July 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2009-1213

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a ballast assembly is lowered into the Ares I-X segment 7. Ballast assemblies are being installed... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a ballast assembly is lifted toward the Ares I-X segments for installation. These ballast assemblies will be installed in the upper stage 1 and 7 segments and will mimic the mass of the fuel. Their total weight is approximately 160,000 pounds. Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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. The Ares I-X is targeted for launch in July 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2009-1211

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Buildin...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a ballast assembly is lifted toward the Ares I-X segments for installation. These ballast assem... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –    At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., workers prepare forward fifth segment simulator of the Ares I-X for cork application. Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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. The Ares I-X is targeted for launch in July 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2009-1298

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., workers pr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., workers prepare forward fifth segment simulator of the Ares I-X for cork application. Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., the forward fifth segment simulator of the Ares I-X is being prepared for cork application. Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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. The Ares I-X is targeted for launch in July 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2009-1297

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., the forward...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., the forward fifth segment simulator of the Ares I-X is being prepared for cork application. Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –    At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., workers prepare forward fifth segment simulator of the Ares I-X for cork application.  Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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. The Ares I-X is targeted for launch in July 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2009-1296

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., workers pr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., workers prepare forward fifth segment simulator of the Ares I-X for cork application. Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an overhead crane lifts segments 6 and 7 of the Ares I-X rocket.  The segments are being moved onto a stand on the floor. Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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. The Ares I-X is targeted for launch in July 2009.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1324

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Buildin...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an overhead crane lifts segments 6 and 7 of the Ares I-X rocket. The segments are being moved ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –    In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Ares I-X segments 6 and 7 (background) are lowered onto a stand. Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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. The Ares I-X is targeted for launch in July 2009.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1327

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Buildi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Ares I-X segments 6 and 7 (background) are lowered onto a stand. Ares I-X is the test vehi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Ares I-X segments 6 and 7 are moved toward a stand. Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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. The Ares I-X is targeted for launch in July 2009.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1325

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Buildin...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Ares I-X segments 6 and 7 are moved toward a stand. Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ar... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Ares I-X segments 6 and 7 are lowered onto a stand. Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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. The Ares I-X is targeted for launch in July 2009.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1326

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Buildin...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Ares I-X segments 6 and 7 are lowered onto a stand. Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ar... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –    In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an overhead crane is attached to segments 6 and 7 of the Ares I-X rocket.  The segments are being moved onto a stand on the floor. Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. 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. The Ares I-X is targeted for launch in July 2009.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1323

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Buildi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an overhead crane is attached to segments 6 and 7 of the Ares I-X rocket. The segments are be... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –    The covered fifth segment simulator of the Ares I-X arrives in the Vehicle Assembly Building's  extended duration orbiter lab, or EDO, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. Ares I-X is targeted for launch in July 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2009-1356

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The covered fifth segment simulator of the A...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The covered fifth segment simulator of the Ares I-X arrives in the Vehicle Assembly Building's extended duration orbiter lab, or EDO, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Ares ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –     At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., a crane lowers a protective cover onto the bagged fifth segment simulator of the Ares I-X.  The segment will be transferred to the Vehicle Assembly Building's extended duration orbiter lab, or EDO,  at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida for stacking operations.   Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. Ares I-X is targeted for launch in July 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2009-1354

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., a crane l...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., a crane lowers a protective cover onto the bagged fifth segment simulator of the Ares I-X. The segment will be transferred to the Vehicle Assembly B... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   In the Vehicle Assembly Building's extended duration orbiter lab, or EDO,  at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers remove the shipping cover from the fifth segment simulator of the Ares I-X.  Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. Ares I-X is targeted for launch in July 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2009-1357

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building's extended d...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building's extended duration orbiter lab, or EDO, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers remove the shipping cover from the fifth segment simulator ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers begin removing the protective material wrapping the fifth segment simulator of the Ares I-X.  Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. Ares I-X is targeted for launch in July 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2009-1358

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Ke...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers begin removing the protective material wrapping the fifth segment simulator of the Ares I-X. Ares I-... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –     The covered fifth segment simulator of the Ares I-X is transported from Astrotech in Titusville, Fla.  It is being moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida for stacking operations.  Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. Ares I-X is targeted for launch in July 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2009-1355

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The covered fifth segment simulator of the ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The covered fifth segment simulator of the Ares I-X is transported from Astrotech in Titusville, Fla. It is being moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Cente... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the fifth segment simulator of the Ares I-X is on a work stand.  Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. Ares I-X is targeted for launch in July 2009. KSC-2009-1359

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Ken...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the fifth segment simulator of the Ares I-X is on a work stand. Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –    At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., the bagged fifth segment simulator of the Ares I-X  is placed on a transporter.  The segment will be transferred to the Vehicle Assembly Building's extended duration orbiter lab, or EDO, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida for stacking operations.  Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. Ares I-X is targeted for launch in July 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2009-1353

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., the bagged...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., the bagged fifth segment simulator of the Ares I-X is placed on a transporter. The segment will be transferred to the Vehicle Assembly Building's ex... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  At center, ballast is lowered into segment 7 of the Ares I-X  rocket in Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4.  Other segments are stacked around the bay.  These ballast assemblies are being installed in the upper stage segments 1 and 7 and will mimic the mass of the fuel. Their total weight is approximately 160,000 pounds.Ares I-X  is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. The Ares I-X  is targeted for launch in July 2009.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-1395

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At center, ballast is lowered into segment 7 o...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At center, ballast is lowered into segment 7 of the Ares I-X rocket in Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4. Other segments are stacked around the bay. These ballast assemblies are be... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   In Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4, cables from an overhead crane lower ballast into segment 7 for the Ares I-X  rocket. These ballast assemblies are being installed in the upper stage segments 1 and 7 and will mimic the mass of the fuel. Their total weight is approximately 160,000 pounds. Ares I-X  is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. The Ares I-X  is targeted for launch in July 2009.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-1394

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4, cabl...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4, cables from an overhead crane lower ballast into segment 7 for the Ares I-X rocket. These ballast assemblies are being installed in the upper s... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  In Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4, cables lift ballast that will be installed in segment 7 for the Ares I-X  rocket. These ballast assemblies are being installed in the upper stage segments 1 and 7 and will mimic the mass of the fuel. Their total weight is approximately 160,000 pounds. Ares I-X  is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. The Ares I-X  is targeted for launch in July 2009.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-1391

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4, cable...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4, cables lift ballast that will be installed in segment 7 for the Ares I-X rocket. These ballast assemblies are being installed in the upper stage... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  In Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4, cables from an overhead crane move ballast that will be installed in segment 7 for the Ares I-X  rocket. These ballast assemblies are being installed in the upper stage segments 1 and 7 and will mimic the mass of the fuel. Their total weight is approximately 160,000 pounds.  Ares I-X  is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. The Ares I-X  is targeted for launch in July 2009.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-1392

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4, cable...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4, cables from an overhead crane move ballast that will be installed in segment 7 for the Ares I-X rocket. These ballast assemblies are being insta... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  In Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4, cables lift ballast that will be installed in segment 7 for the Ares I-X  rocket. These ballast assemblies are being installed in the upper stage segments 1 and 7 and will mimic the mass of the fuel. Their total weight is approximately 160,000 pounds. Ares I-X  is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. The Ares I-X  is targeted for launch in July 2009.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-1390

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4, cable...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4, cables lift ballast that will be installed in segment 7 for the Ares I-X rocket. These ballast assemblies are being installed in the upper stage... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   In Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4, cables from an overhead crane lower ballast into segment 7 for the Ares I-X  rocket. These ballast assemblies are being installed in the upper stage segments 1 and 7 and will mimic the mass of the fuel. Their total weight is approximately 160,000 pounds.  Ares I-X  is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. The Ares I-X  is targeted for launch in July 2009.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-1393

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4, cabl...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4, cables from an overhead crane lower ballast into segment 7 for the Ares I-X rocket. These ballast assemblies are being installed in the upper s... More

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