Photos: Preparing the Ares I-X rocket for launch
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Launch pad construction
On Wednesday, October 28, 2009, NASA is scheduled to launch the first Ares I-X test rocket in preparation for trips to the space station and eventually the moon. For additional details, read the TechRepublic Geekend blog.
At the launch pad construction site, you see the tower on the right with the crane next to it is a lightning rod approximately 600 ft. tall.
Photo courtesy of NASA
Orion Simulation Vehicle
This piece of hardware is designed to simulate the Orion Crew Vehicle in size and weight and is equipped with myriad sensors to ensure the safety of the astronauts traveling in the vehicle.
Photo courtesy of NASA
Roll Control System
These thrusters help control the rocket’s tendency to roll.
Photo courtesy of NASA
Unloading the Orion Simulator
The Orion Simulation Vehicle is being unloaded after their flight to the Kennedy Space Center.
Photo courtesy of NASA
Ares I-X rocket assembly
Many of the parts within this test rocket are “blanks,” as NASA is merely attempting to test the first stage rocket at this point.
Photo courtesy of NASA
Center aft segment
This piece, being transported from a factory in Utah, is the center aft segment. It is being delivered to a holding facility where it will be loaded onto a railcar.
Photo courtesy of NASA
Arrival by train
The final pieces of the Ares I-X rocket arrive by railcar.
Photo courtesy of NASA
Avionics module
The avionics module is the brain of the test rocket. This is where all test flight data is stored.
Photo courtesy of NASA
The birdcage
This metal cage is used to lift the Orion Simulation Vehicle onto the rocket. It can be removed prior to flight.
Photo courtesy of NASA
Frustum test
The Frustum, the connector piece that joins the first stage rocket to the rest of the vehicle, is being tested. The Frustum is what actually triggers the separation. Watch a video of the Frustum test.
Photo courtesy of NASA
More assembly
Photos of more pieces of the Ares I-X being put together.
Photo courtesy of NASA
Roll out
After being assembled at the Assembly Refurbishment Facility, the piece in the previous photo is transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building.
Photo courtesy of NASA
Stacking
This photo shows one step in the stacking process. It is now starting to become a rocket.
Photo courtesy of NASA
Huge
Check out the size of the Ares I-X. This photo made me realize how big it really is. You can see the stories and stories of landings in the background.
Photo courtesy of NASA
Clean room
NASA appears to set up a clean room around the joints. This photo also helps to gauge size.
Photo courtesy of NASA
Head spinner
One more head-spinning picture. How many stories tall is that?
Photo courtesy of NASA
Birdcage in action
The Birdcage in action. The Orion Simulation Vehicle is being attached to the top of the rocket.
Photo courtesy of NASA
Ares I-X
The completed Ares I-X rocket.
Photo courtesy of NASA
Simulations
NASA scientists are testing the Ares I-X rocket to ensure it can withstand what they will be putting it through in the launch. This was done using hydraulic shakers and…
Photo courtesy of NASA
Heavy lifting
…manual sway. These two gentlemen are the mission manager and deputy mission manager.
Photo courtesy of NASA
Ares I-X launch team
The entire Ares I-X launch team running tests and simulations to ensure the launch goes off without a hitch.
Photo courtesy of NASA
Parachutes
The Ares I-X uses a few parachutes to slow its first-stage rocket’s descent to Earth. Here you can see the plan for the parachute deployment.
Photo courtesy of NASA
A final view
A final view of launch pad 39B.
Photo courtesy of NASA
Ares I-X artist rendering
This is an artist’s rendering of the Ares I-X rocket.
For more details about the launch, read the TechRepublic Geekend blog.
Photo courtesy of NASA