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.

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Unloading the Orion Simulator

The Orion Simulation Vehicle is being unloaded after their flight to the Kennedy Space Center.

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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.

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Arrival by train

The final pieces of the Ares I-X rocket arrive by railcar.

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Avionics module

The avionics module is the brain of the test rocket. This is where all test flight data is stored.

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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.

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More assembly

Photos of more pieces of the Ares I-X being put together.

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Roll out

After being assembled at the Assembly Refurbishment Facility, the piece in the previous photo is transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building.

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Stacking

This photo shows one step in the stacking process. It is now starting to become a rocket.

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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.

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Clean room

NASA appears to set up a clean room around the joints. This photo also helps to gauge size.

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Head spinner

One more head-spinning picture. How many stories tall is that?

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Birdcage in action

The Birdcage in action. The Orion Simulation Vehicle is being attached to the top of the rocket.

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Ares I-X

The completed Ares I-X rocket.

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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…

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Heavy lifting

…manual sway. These two gentlemen are the mission manager and deputy mission manager.

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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.

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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.

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A final view

A final view of launch pad 39B.

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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