William Atkins
Friday, 11 September 2009 21:06
Science -
Space
Page 1 of 2
The first full-scale, complete two-minute test firing of the first-stage motor for the new Ares 1 rocket was performed on Thursday, September 10, 2009. The successful test firing will provide important data to validate the ability of the Ares 1 to lift the Orion capsule into space as part of the new Constellation Program.
The "hot-firing" of the first-stage of the
Ares 1 (or Ares I) was a stationary, horizontal test. The first-stage motor consisted of what is currently called a five-segment solid development motor 1 (DM-1).
ATK Space Systems, a division of Alliant Techsystems (Brigham City, Utah), manufactures the first stage of the Ares 1 launch vehicle (rocket). As such, the test was conducted outside of Promontory, Utah.
When operational, the 154-foot first-stage motor will generate at liftoff up to 3.6 million pounds of force (thrust) to lift its payload into space.
The new Ares 1 rocket, of the new
Constellation Program is derived from the solid rocket boosters (SRBs) from the soon-to-be retired space shuttle program.
[Artist concept of Ares 1 rocket. Photograph Credit: National Aernautics and Space Administration (NASA)]
However, many necessary additions and technological improvements and upgrades have been incorporated into the new launch vehicle, which is still reusable like in the space shuttle.
For instance, the nosecone on the SRB has been replaced with an adapter that will interface with the second-stage liquid-hydrogen/liquid oxygen-fueled motor.
And, without a need of an external tank (ET), as is present on the space shuttle, the attachments points have been removed on the new Ares 1.
Page two includes other additions and improvements to the motor, along with the video showing the test firing.
