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After Hours

Photos: Preparing the Ares I-X rocket for launch

By Wally Bahny October 25, 2009, 4:06 AM PDT

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Photos: Preparing the Ares I-X rocket for launch

Launch pad construction

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

Photos: Preparing the Ares I-X rocket for launch

Orion Simulation Vehicle

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

Photos: Preparing the Ares I-X rocket for launch

Roll Control System

Roll Control System

These thrusters help control the rocket’s tendency to roll.

Photo courtesy of NASA

Photos: Preparing the Ares I-X rocket for launch

Unloading the Orion Simulator

Unloading the Orion Simulator

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

Photo courtesy of NASA

Photos: Preparing the Ares I-X rocket for launch

Ares I-X rocket assembly

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

Photos: Preparing the Ares I-X rocket for launch

Center aft segment

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

Photos: Preparing the Ares I-X rocket for launch

Arrival by train

Arrival by train

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

Photo courtesy of NASA

Photos: Preparing the Ares I-X rocket for launch

Avionics module

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

Photos: Preparing the Ares I-X rocket for launch

The birdcage

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

Photos: Preparing the Ares I-X rocket for launch

Frustum test

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

Photos: Preparing the Ares I-X rocket for launch

More assembly

More assembly

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

Photo courtesy of NASA

Photos: Preparing the Ares I-X rocket for launch

Roll out

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

Photos: Preparing the Ares I-X rocket for launch

Stacking

Stacking

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

Photo courtesy of NASA

Photos: Preparing the Ares I-X rocket for launch

Huge

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

Photos: Preparing the Ares I-X rocket for launch

Clean room

Clean room

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

Photo courtesy of NASA

Photos: Preparing the Ares I-X rocket for launch

Head spinner

Head spinner

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

Photo courtesy of NASA

Photos: Preparing the Ares I-X rocket for launch

Birdcage in action

Birdcage in action

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

Photo courtesy of NASA

Photos: Preparing the Ares I-X rocket for launch

Ares I-X

Ares I-X

The completed Ares I-X rocket.

Photo courtesy of NASA

Photos: Preparing the Ares I-X rocket for launch

Simulations

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

Photos: Preparing the Ares I-X rocket for launch

Heavy lifting

Heavy lifting

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

Photo courtesy of NASA

Photos: Preparing the Ares I-X rocket for launch

Ares I-X launch team

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

Photos: Preparing the Ares I-X rocket for launch

Parachutes

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

Photos: Preparing the Ares I-X rocket for launch

A final view

A final view

A final view of launch pad 39B.

Photo courtesy of NASA

Photos: Preparing the Ares I-X rocket for launch

Ares I-X artist rendering

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

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