Ares V
The Ares V was in development U.S. carrier rocket from the series Ares. It was developed specifically for start of Lunar Module Altair, but should also be used for other unmanned missions. In its current configuration, it would be the Ares V have been possible to carry up to 188 tonnes in a low earth orbit or 71 tons to the moon. Together with her sister Ares I rocket, she was part of the Constellation program, NASA. On 1 February 2010, the setting of the Constellation program was announced.
Technology
Ares V based on two stages, both of which are operated with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. The first stage uses this fuel in six RS68B engines which those of the Space Shuttle are similar in addition by two solid rocket supported. During their two-minute round use ammonium perchlorate composite propellant burn, a mixture containing ammonium perchlorate used as oxidizer and aluminum as fuel. They are recovered after the flight and reused if possible. The tank section is similar to the external tank of the Space Shuttle in the building, but was enlarged in diameter to hold more fuel can. The boosters are produced and maintained by Alliant Techsystems near Brigham City (Utah ). The RS68B engines manufactured by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne.
The second stage, known as the Earth Departure Stage (EDS ), is based on the upper stage of the Saturn V, but is a new development. The stage is driven by a similarly produced by Rocketdyne J 2X engine and returns the payload to a low earth orbit. From there, the EDS can ignite their engines again and bring the payload into a higher orbit, on course for the moon or on a flight path.
History of development
The planning of the Ares V was initiated simultaneously with the Ares 1, but was promoted to a much slower pace, as the rocket would be needed until 2018. Nevertheless, first changes to the plan have already been made. Thus, the originally planned four SSME engines were replaced first by five RS68B engines to increase performance and reduce costs. Since the power was not sufficient were added in 2006, a sixth engine added and changed the size of the first stage.
Launch site
It only starts from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center were planned.