Ares 1: An Efficient Way to Send Man Into Space

As the launch time is approaching, NASA is one step ahead of achieving it’s ultimate goal of launching the next generation space craft which will take man to outer space. Replacing the highly expensive Space Shuttle, the Ares 1 rocket will provide much cheaper transportation of man to space. Right now America is under the attack of inflation and this is a big problem for NASA and it’s Space Shuttle program. Each Space Shuttle program takes about  approx 2 billion dollars and that is too much where as the launch price of Ares 1 will be much less than the Space Shuttle, around 100 million dollars. Like the previous Moon mission, each launch was too expensive if seen in today’s world and therefore Ares project will cut short these expenses for sure.

The Constellation program was called the program-of-record during public hearings held by the Augustine Commission this summer. The Obama administration established the board to review plans for the future of human spaceflight and deliver several new alternatives to policymakers. Experts said the Constellation program-of-record, as currently funded, would not be able to meet its goal of returning humans to the moon within its schedule projections. But if NASA clearly gives out the details on cost, schedule and technical uncertainties, the chances of going back to moon will be high.

The only big disadvantage of Ares 1 is that it wont be carrying the huge load that the Space Shuttle can carry. Ares 1 is only designed to send 4 astronauts but later modification will increase the capacity to 6 astronauts. As the Ares will be carrying a capsule therefore it wont be coming down like an aircraft as the space shuttle does but rather it will come down with the help of giant parachutes similar to the old Apollo capsules.

The most immediate milestone for NASA is test launch of a stripped-down version of the Ares 1 rocket which is on hold due to weather conditions, and by the beginning of 2015 or 2016 NASA will be sending astronauts into space in Ares 1 Orion capsule. The Ares 1-X test flight will not include a full-up first stage, a functioning upper stage, or a working Orion space capsule. The launcher even includes a mock launch abort system, steel ballast places to simulate fuel tanks, and shaped features taking the place of thrusters, windows, and other equipment.

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