Ares I-X Flight Test Vehicle Similitude to the Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle

Paper number

IAC-08.D2.6.7

Author

Mr. Lawrence Huebner, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), United States

Year

2008

Abstract

The Ares I-X Flight Test Vehicle is the first in a series of flight test articles that will take the Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle design from development to operational capability.  The test is scheduled relatively early in the Ares I design process (April 2009) such that the data obtained from the flight will have the ability to impact the design of Ares I prior to its Critical Design Review.  Because of the short time frame (relative to new launch vehicle development) prior to flight, decisions needed to be made in the design of the flight test vehicle in order for appropriate analysis and testing to be completed leading towards manufacture of the vehicle elements.  The objective of this paper is to describe the similarities and differences between the Ares I-X Flight Test Vehicle and the Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle.

Following a basic description of the current Ares I design and the objectives of the Ares I-X flight, the similitude between the two vehicles will be addressed.  Areas of comparison include the Outer Mold Line (OML) geometry, trajectory, structural modes, flight control architecture, separation sequence, and relevant element differences.  

Knowledge of what the Ares I-X flight test will provide in similitude to Ares I--as well as what the test will NOT provide--will be important in the continued execution of the Ares I-X mission leading to flight and the continued design and development of Ares I.

Abstract document

IAC-08.D2.6.7.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.D2.6.7.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.