NASA is developing new
spacecraft, the Ares rockets and Orion crew capsule, to deliver astronauts
to the International Space Station and send them on their way to the moon.
The first test flight of the spacecraft, known as Ares I-X, is scheduled to
launch in spring 2009.
The Web site was created to offer key information about the details and
objectives of the Ares I-X test flight. The site features articles, images
and videos that outline the objectives of the Ares I-X test flight and
explain how these objectives will influence the design and flight of the
Ares I rocket and Orion crew capsule.
The Ares I-X flight will test hardware, facilities and ground
operations associated with the Ares I rocket. It also will provide critical
data during ascent of the integrated Orion crew exploration vehicle and the
Ares I launch vehicle stack -- data that will be used to design a vehicle
system that is safe and fully operational before astronauts begin traveling
into orbit.
The Ares I-X test flight will bring America one step closer to a return
to the moon by 2020 and eventual trips to Mars and destinations beyond.
SOURCE NASA
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