- \n
- Augustine Forum Section<\/li>\n
- L2 Ares\/HLV\/Orion Sections<\/li>\n
- Click here to Join L2<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
However, until the US Congress approves the plan \u2013 which the next key hearing set for May 12 \u2013 CxP can continue to develop hardware and perform tests, even if it\u2019s at a reduced level.<\/p>\n
The latest test came only last week, when the PA-1 (Pad Abort) test of the Launch Abort System (LAS) was successfully conducted at White Sands.<\/p>\n
Although managers avoided references to the original plan of testing Orion\u2019s pad escape option for the purpose of pulling the crew away from a failing Ares I launch vehicle \u2013 instead noting the system may become applicable to commercial launch vehicle \u2013 Orion project Mark Geyer summed up the mood of the Constellation workforce\u2019s view of the \u201cnew\u201d plan.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a lot going on with Constellation that you don\u2019t see, as there\u2019s no fire and smoke,\u201d he noted during the post test press conference. \u201cThere\u2019s people killing themselves working on this every day, as they believe America should be a leader in space.\u201d<\/p>\n
Constellation\/HLV Specific Articles: http:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/news\/constellation\/<\/p>\n
Ares Test Plan:<\/p>\n
Somewhat out of the blue, a potential return of Ares has been created by CxP, although the plan is likely to be one of several proposals that may earn the backing of lawmakers, providing the FY2011 budget is not approved in its current form.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/05\/A34.jpg\" "\\"A3\\"")
The plan calls for three more tests which will utilize Ares I-X Prime, I-Y and Ares I vehicle designs between 2013 and 2014, working in parallel with a Heavy Lift Vehicle effort \u2013 taking the entire test plan out into 2018.<\/p>\n\u201cSchedule: FLIGHT TEST 2: Launch Date: March 21, 2013. FLIGHT TEST 3: Launch Date: March 21, 2014. FLIGHT TEST 4: Launch Date: November, 2014,\u201d noted expansive information acquired by L2.<\/p>\n
\u201cHeavy Lift: HL-X0 Early MPTA (Main Propulsion Test Article) at SSC (Stennis Space Center) January, 2013. Pathfinder\/HL-X1 Core at SSC April, 2014\/At KSC November, 2014. HL-X1 September, 2015. HL-X2 September, 2016. HL-X3 September, 2017. HL-X4 September, 2018.\u201d<\/p>\n
The information concentrates on the three Ares tests, though graphics show the Heavy Lift Vehicle is an in-line configuration supporting what appears to be an Ares I Upper Stage. The vehicle portrayed appears to have an element of synergy with the previously touted Ares IV.<\/p>\n
No mention of required funding, or political and administration decisions, are made in the information, although the plan does state that a decision would be made in May, in order to start work on the test plan on June 1.<\/p>\n
Ares Flight Tests:<\/p>\n
With a launch date target of March 21, 2013, Flight Test 2 (FT 2) mirrors what was previously planned as Ares 1-X2, otherwise known as Ares I-X Prime \u2013 a compromise between the 2009 launch of Ares I-X and the cancelled Ares I-Y test flights.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/05\/A43.jpg\" "\\"A4\\"")
The information immediately references the use of FT 2 as a demonstration of potential HLV assets via the first flight use of the 5 segment SRB (Solid Rocket Booster) \u2013 currently another casualty of the FY2011 budget proposal.<\/p>\n\u201cFT 2 Objectives: Demonstrate of 5-Segment RSRMV (Reusable Solid Rocket Motor Vehicle) for HLLV. Demonstrate 5-Segment RSRMV entry and recovery systems,\u201d outlined the plan. \u201cDemonstrate high altitude abort systems for spacecraft. Demonstrate spacecraft post-abort Entry, Descent, and Landing. Demonstrate FS\/US (First Stage\/Upper Stage) sep system.<\/p>\n
With the test focusing on the five segment booster with a 7.22 ER Nozzle, the vehicle would fly with an Ares I-X style dummy Upper Stage with \u201cThree Ballast Segments\u201d.<\/p>\n
Potential for a high altitude abort is also mentioned, although this is listed as Under Review (U\/R).<\/p>\n
\u201cCrew Module: High altitude abort capable, water recovery, AA-2 Like (U\/R). LAS: High altitude abort capable, AA-2 Like (U\/R). All FTV (Flight Test Vehicle) hardware will have the capability to be stacked and de-stacked in the VAB,\u201d added notes.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/05\/A53.jpg\" "\\"A5\\"")
A large amount of Ares I-X assets are already available at Pad 39B, although FT 2 would debut the use of the new Ares Mobile Launch (ML) Tower \u2013 currently completed and located next to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) \u2013 which would result in the demolition of the current shuttle complex at 39B, due to the clean pad requirement of the Ares ML.<\/p>\n\u201cVehicle Support Posts (VSPs). Aft Skirt Handling and Access. Aft Skirt hydraulics, pneumatics and hydrazine servicing. Aft Skirt Electrical Umbilical and GN2 Purge. Fwd Skirt electrical T-0 umbilical (U\/R). Ares Stabilizer,\u201d listed the requirements between the ML and Ares FT 2.<\/p>\n
\u201cVehicle Access Arms (VAA): FS Fwd Skirt, US Inter Stage. Upper stage T-0 Umbilical. US Aft Skirt Electrical. ECS \u2013 US Aft Skirt. IOP Water System. No Post Liftoff Sound Suppression Water.\u201d<\/p>\n
The super stack would be processed in High Bay 2, prior to stacking in High Bay 4.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/05\/A62.jpg\" "\\"A6\\"")
\u201cAccess on Interstage will be same as Ares I. Access to US and above at VAB and Pad is internal only through this access (including LAS S&A). Interstage hoisted into HB as part of super stack with Fwd Assembly and US-1. (US) Upper Stage ballast segment 1,\u201d the requirements continued.<\/p>\n\u201cInternal access only, accomplished in VAB integration highbay through Inter Stage access door (including LAS S&A). Hoisted using Ares I-X \u2018birdcage\u2019 lifting device or similar. VAB, ML, LCC and Pad electrical Avionics provided hardware agreement (negotiated between Avionics and GS). Avionics provides both sides of umbilical connectors halves.\u201d<\/p>\n
Launch Control Center (LCC) Firing Room (FR) 1 and 4 would be utilized for Ares FT 2, hosting the Prime Launch Team in FR-1, with the launch support team in FR-4. The outfitting of the Firing Room Consoles, Workstations and Servers would be required.<\/p>\n
Pending approval, ground processing for Ares FT 2 is scheduled to start in September, 2012.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/05\/A74.jpg\" "\\"A7\\"")
Flight Test 3 (Ares FT 3) ramps up the testing objectives, this time with a Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) built Upper Stage \u2013 again stated as in support of HLV. This vehicle would also carry an Orion, which would be processed in the MPPF, located south of the VAB.<\/p>\n\u201cObjectives: Demonstrate crew survival assurance functions. Demonstrate Upper Stage operation (in support of HLLV). Demonstrate integrated (HLLV) avionics. Demonstrate on-orbit spacecraft systems,\u201d the information continued.<\/p>\n
\u201cDemonstrate spacecraft entry systems performance (TPS (Thermal Protection System), RCS (Reaction Control System), CPAS (CEV Parachute Assembly System). Validate Mission Operations capabilities from pre-launch mission design activities and liftoff through post-landing crew module safing.\u201d<\/p>\n
A full size Ares I vehicle, Ares FT 3 would require additional modifications to the ML, with Vehicle Access Arm (VAA) to the Upper Stage, Interstage and Service Module, along with numerous fluids and propellant servicing umbilicals.<\/p>\n
The VAB would again see High Bay 4 being used for the processing of the vehicle, prior to stacking on the ML in High Bay 4 \u2013 although new Upper Stage, SM\/CM\/LAS Access Platforms, and new adjustable platform access technologies, would be required.<\/p>\n
Ground processing would be scheduled to start in October, 2013, for the proposed March 21, 2014 launch date.<\/p>\n
Flight Test 4 (Ares FT 4) appears to be a full, unmanned, Ares I\/Orion test \u2013 potentially mirroring the Ares I flight that was to be the final test launch ahead of Ares\/Orion IOC (Initial Operating Capability), as per the previous Constellation roadmap.<\/p>\n
\u201cObjectives: Demonstrate crewed systems and human \/ machine interfaces. Demonstrate on-orbit systems performance. Demonstrate spacecraft entry systems performance,\u201d noted information associated with Ares FT-4.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/05\/A81.jpg\" "\\"A8\\"")
Details are still in-work, with the Crew Access Arm addition to the ML classed as Under Review, as is the Emergency Egress System (EES).<\/p>\nIn the previous Constellation plan, a roller coaster system was to be built out at the Pad 39B complex. A hugely expensive and ambitious design, the coaster was redesigned several times, in order to provide the means for an Orion crew, and notably a pad crew \u2013 in the event of a hypergolic leak \u2013 to escape into an underground bunker away from the pad.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdditional ML Systems for FT 4: Crew Access Arm (U\/R). Emergency Egress (U\/R). FT 4 DFI (Dev Flight Instrumentation)-Roll-out Instrumentation,\u201d confirmed the notes, before adding numerous ML modification requirements.<\/p>\n
In order to achieve the projected November 2014 launch date, the Orion Short Stack would be required by May 14, 2014, with ground processing scheduled to start July, 2014.<\/p>\n
Notes on the Project\u2019s risks were also referenced, which interestingly seem to provide a \u201clessons learned\u201d approach from Constellation\u2019s Ares I-X processing and flight, along with the challenges associated with Ares I-Y and Ares I.<\/p>\n
\u201cAggressive ML Development Schedule to FT3. Umbilical Plates and QD (Quick Disconnect) availability. Additional work provides 2-3 month challenge to FT3: Accelerate CAA from FT4 to FT3. Addition of sound suppression to FT3 (Proceed at risk until test results). Addition of cold helium to FT3,\u201d listed just some of the risks.<\/p>\n
\u201cResumption of Cx GS (Ground Support) slowed\/stopped activities: June 1, 2010. Need streamlined\/flight test\/skunk works\/Ares I-X like SE&I (Systems Engineering and Integration), design, development and requirements management approach. Concurrent GS development activities with flight operations.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/05\/A10.jpg\" "\\"A10\\"")
\u201cPotential need to destack Orion and replace LAS batteries following integrated testing in the VAB for FT2 to mitigate not having a charging interface and\/or ECS. Potential prolonged First Stage stacking times due to using adjustable vs. fixed platforms (all flight tests).<\/p>\n\u201cAggressive Development Schedule to FT2. Mitigations for FT2 use of AA2-Like CM. VAB Access Platform Study. Ops Contractor Options. MPPF 2010 Start. Funding Threats: Funding Available in October. Hangar AF Lightning Protection.\u201d<\/p>\n
There is no question that the plan is based around saving Ares \u2013 and a section of the workforce \u2013 for the purpose of at least providing a level of test capability during the upcoming gap, sold with the promise of aiding the switch to a HLV.<\/p>\n
However, as with the FY2011 plan, which does not include the continuation of Ares, this is likely to be one of several options which may provide a potential compromise approach for lawmakers in Congress. Which compromise \u2013 if any \u2013 wins, remains the question.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A plan has been created for the continued use of Ares via a series of test flights, ultimately leading up to a Heavy Lift Vehicle (HLV) program in the second half of this decade. Appearing to bank on major changes being negotiated by Congress in NASA\u2019s FY2011 budget proposal, the plan would result in three […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[9198,9034,640],"class_list":["post-40784","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news","tag-ares","tag-hlv","tag-orion"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40784"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40784"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40784\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40784"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40784"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40784"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}