Ares 1-X test configuration (concept) - NASA
The Ares I-X test vehicle is scheduled to begin stacking in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at the end of the month, despite continued slips to the launch date - the latest of which places Ares I-X as lifting off from Pad 39B NET (No Earlier Than) September 18.
The launch of the four segment booster, along with a dummy Upper Stage and boilerplate Orion, has a price tag of several hundred million dollars, which has leant to a level of criticism, given the test flight fails to resemble the five segment Ares I vehicle it is tasked with gaining data for.
The launch of the four segment booster, along with a dummy Upper Stage and boilerplate Orion, has a price tag of several hundred million dollars, which has leant to a level of criticism, given the test flight fails to resemble the five segment Ares I vehicle it is tasked with gaining data for.
