ATK [ATK] and NASA on Monday signified the next steps in space travel to the moon and beyond as they unveiled the first completed Ares I first stage five-segment solid rocket booster–a major milestone the same day as the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing on the moon.
The unveiling began with the rollback of the movable structure housing the booster revealing the Ares I first stage motor.
The completed rocket was installed horizontally in a test stand that was modified from the space shuttle’s four-segment configuration to fit the new five-segment Ares I booster. Instruments will be installed over the next month in preparation for the first major ground test of the NASA Constellation program Aug. 25.
“As we reflect back 40 years to when man first stepped on the moon, we also look forward to continuing America’s heritage of space exploration,” Mike Kahn, executive vice president, ATK Space Systems, said. “The booster we’ve unveiled today brings us a step closer to continuing that legacy.”
The Ares I first stage has been under development since 2005. Based on the design of the space shuttle’s four-segment booster, the first stage differs from its predecessor. These include the addition of a fifth-segment, changes to the propellant grain, a larger nozzle opening and upgraded insulation and liner.
The propellant and cases remain the same as those used for more than three decades on the Space Shuttle Program. In fact, the cases used in this Ares I first stage ground test have collectively flown on 48 previous shuttle missions, including STS-1, the very first flight.
“Because we are using shuttle boosters in the design of the Ares I first stage, we are able to leverage decades of ground tests and shuttle flight processes,” said Kahn. “Our streamlined processes, quality and infrastructure, combined with the knowledge and lessons learned that have been transferred to the Ares I first stage program, go a long way to ensure mission success for the human spaceflight program.”
NASA’s Ares I vehicle will launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle for missions to the International Space Station and the Moon.
ATK is the prime contractor for the first stage five-segment solid rocket booster.