Constellation Program - Ares, Orion & Altair

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Lunar Exploration Themes and Objectives Development Process

To develop the lunar exploration themes and lunar exploration objectives, NASA initiated and coordinated an international effort to gain input from many different stakeholder groups. This process began in April 2006 with the Global Exploration Strategy workshop held at the Ronald Reagan Center in Washington, D.C., and the simultaneous release of an associated Request for Information (RFI). The workshop proceedings and RFI response were used to generate a first draft of the themes and objectives.

After it completed the first set of themes and objectives, NASA pursued input from 13 of the world's space agencies on these draft products. The agencies involved were those that expressed early interest in participating in lunar exploration. In addition to NASA, representatives from the British National Space Centre, Canadian Space Agency, Chinese National Space Agency, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Organization, European Space Agency, French National Space Agency, German Aerospace Agency, Indian Space Research Organization, Italian Space Agency, Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency, Korean Aerospace Research Institute, National Space Agency of Ukraine, and Roscosmos contributed in varying degrees to this process.

Each agency was encouraged to coordinate individual national reviews of the themes and objectives. NASA Headquarters coordinated a review by interested U.S. stakeholders, including all ten NASA Centers, the NASA Advisory Council, the Lunar Exploration Analysis Group, the Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group, the Space Commerce Roundtable, the NewSpace2006 Conference participants, the Next Generation Exploration Conference participants, and other experts.

NASA has consolidated all of the international and U.S. inputs into the lunar exploration themes and objectives, without identifying the source of each input and without editing to reflect NASA’s policies or plans. NASA will continue to seek input from members of the global space community as it moves forward with the Global Exploration Strategy.

+ Download the Lunar Objectives (600 KB Excel Spreadsheet)

+ Download the Lunar Objectives (900 KB PDF)

The themes and objectives are meant to capture the entire set of activities that anyone involved in lunar exploration (a space agency, private firm, university, or other) may want to pursue, as developed by the process described previously. The themes and objectives do not set forth U.S. government or NASA policy. They do not establish a set of activities that NASA or any member of the global space community intends to pursue. The themes and objectives do not reflect whether domestic legislation, international agreements, or both would be necessary to carry them out.

NASA merely facilitated development of these themes and objectives, which are simply one data set to consider as the United States and its potential international partners begin to define lunar exploration architectures.

Source: NASA - The Vision For Space Exploration - Moon, Mars & Beyond

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NASA Takes One Small Step Towards Living on the Moon:

Langley Research Center developing needed technologies

NASA capped a busy year in space by announcing the initial elements of the Global Exploration Strategy and a proposed U.S. lunar architecture, two critical tools for achieving the nation's vision of returning humans to the moon.

Image Above: In this artist's concept, astronauts and robots are working

together on the surface of the moon. NASA Langley Research Center is

participating in studies to demonstrate the ability of robots to perform

tasks either by themselves or with human partners.

Langley Research Center will make use of both tools to guide future technology development work at the center, exercising a broad range of capabilities from entry, descent and landing to guidance, navigation and control to structures and materials.

The exploration strategy was initiated early in 2006 in order to meet a congressional mandate as well as to accomplish goals outlined in the agency’s Vision for Space Exploration.

The long-term strategy development effort, guided by NASA, includes experts from 14 space agencies as well as non-governmental organizations and commercial interests.

"This strategy will enable interested nations to leverage their capabilities and financial and technical contributions, making optimum use of globally available knowledge and resources to help energize a coordinated effort that will propel us into this new age of discovery and exploration," declared NASA Deputy Administrator Shana Dale, speaking at a news conference from the NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston.

The strategy focuses on two overarching issues: Why we are returning to the moon and what we plan to do when we get there. The strategy includes a comprehensive set of the reasons for embarking upon human and robotic exploration of the moon.

Image Above: Astronauts enter a lunar outpost in this artist's concept.

NASA currently favors building its first lunar outpost on the outside rim

of a giant crater near the south pole of the moon.

NASA's proposed lunar architecture focuses on a third issue: How humans might accomplish the mission of exploring the moon.

NASA planners used the international group's deliberations as well as input from academia, private sector and private citizens as the basis for sketching a U.S. blueprint for a return to the moon. NASA's Lunar Architecture Team, chartered in May 2006, concluded that the most advantageous approach is to develop a solar-powered lunar base and to locate it near one of the poles of the moon.

The poles are relatively accessible, offering frequent launch opportunities, requiring less propellant, and reducing loiter times in low-Earth orbit.

Some polar locations are sunlit most of the time, which can enhance daylight operations and allow the use of solar energy for outpost power. The poles also are more temperate, with temperature swings of only 50 degrees Centigrade over the lunar day compared to almost 250 degrees Centigrade elsewhere on the moon.

The potential abundance of volatiles including hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen at the poles improves the odds of attaining self-sufficiency by offering the ingredients necessary to make air, water and fuel.

With such an outpost, NASA can learn to use the moon's natural resources to live off the land, make preparations for a journey to Mars, conduct a wide range of scientific investigations and encourage international participation.

As currently envisioned, an incremental buildup would begin with four-person crews making several seven-day visits to the moon until their power supplies, rovers and living quarters are operational.

At Langley, an agency-level technology development office is sponsoring projects ranging from autonomous precision landing on the lunar or Mars surface to human-robotic systems for surface operations. The work is being conducted at NASA Centers around the country, including Langley.

The first mission to Mars would begin by 2020. These would be followed by 180-day missions to prepare for journeys to Mars.

The proposed lunar architecture calls for robotic precursor missions designed to support the human mission. These precursors include landing site reconnaissance, natural resource assays and technology risk reduction for the human lander.

Moving into 2007, NASA will continue to refine its lunar architecture, maintaining the open dialogue initiated in 2006, to enhance further the Global Exploration Strategy. NASA's goal is to enable a sustainable space exploration effort in which participating organizations can achieve individual goals with mutually beneficial results.

For more on NASA's exploration plans, visit the Internet at: www.nasa.gov/exploration

+Researcher News Homepage

The Researcher News

Langley Research Center

Managing Editor and Responsible NASA Official: H. Keith Henry

Editor and Curator: Denise Adams

Source: NASA/LARC - Langley News

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Marshall Center's Sheila Cloud to Lead Transition of NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility to Support Exploration Work

The Marshall Space Flight Center press release is reproduced below:

12.21.06

Kim Newton
Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.
(Phone: 256.544.0034)

News Release: 06-142



HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – NASA's Sheila Cloud, a Decatur, Ala., native, has been appointed transition director for NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans.

The Michoud Assembly Facility, an 832-acre site managed by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., is responsible for the manufacture and assembly of the space shuttle external tank. The facility also will be responsible for the manufacture of the upper stages of NASA's new Ares I and Ares V launch vehicles. The facility includes one of the world's largest manufacturing plants, with 43 acres under one roof and a port with deep-water access to permit transportation of large space systems and hardware.

As transition director for Michoud, Cloud is responsible for defining and implementing a business model, including defining operational capabilities, revenues and expenses, that will optimize Michoud assets and lower operating costs in support of NASA's near-term and long-term exploration programs and projects.

Cloud will plan and manage the transition from Space Shuttle Program work to operations supporting multiple NASA programs and projects, including NASA's next-generation crew exploration and launch vehicle systems. Additionally, she will define and implement an operating structure and policies for Michoud that align with established NASA and Marshall governance structures, which outline facility processes, roles and responsibilities and ensure the exchange and integration of information between centers supporting NASA's missions.

"This is an exciting opportunity -- to ensure the Michoud Assembly Facility continues its legacy as one of NASA's key assets," Cloud said.

"Michoud has been key to the development of the external tank for the Space Shuttle Program for more than 30 years," she added. "It's a role that has provided the Marshall facility with the proven expertise needed, as we stand poised to support NASA's future exploration goals and missions."

From 2003 to 2006, Cloud was the business integration executive for Marshall's Office of the Deputy Center Director, serving as the authoritative focal point for business management transformation and integration activities supporting Marshall and NASA missions.

From 1997 to 2003, Cloud served as director of Marshall's Center Operations Directorate, overseeing all institutional services including environmental engineering, information systems, logistics, facility maintenance and operations, technical information and operations, protective services, occupational medicine and food services. In 1996, she was named deputy chief financial officer for resources in the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, where she was responsible for overall planning and execution of all Marshall funding.

Cloud was director of institutional operations for the Chief Financial Office at the Marshall Center from 1995 to 1996. She directed an internal operations division within the same office from 1992 to 1995, and served as deputy director of institutional operations for the Chief Financial Office from 1990 to 1992. From 1989 to 1990, Cloud was executive assistant to Marshall's director.

Cloud began her NASA career in 1983 as a participant in the Graduate Cooperative Education program at Marshall. The program allows students to combine academic study with paid career-related work experience, alternating periods of classroom study with work at NASA centers.

Cloud has received numerous honors and awards during her NASA career. In 2001, she was honored with a Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Executive, one of the highest honors for government service work. In 2000, she received a NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, recognizing exceptional dedication and commitment to NASA's highest standards of excellence. In 1997, she received a NASA Exceptional Service Medal, recognizing leadership and outstanding contributions to improve planning and management of NASA resources. She also was honored in 1993 with NASA's Silver Snoopy Award, presented by the Astronaut Corps to honor individuals who have made contributions to the success of human spaceflight missions.

Cloud earned a bachelor's degree in business and retailing from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa in 1970. She received a master's in business administration from Alabama A&M University in Huntsville in 1985.

Cloud and her husband Earl live in Huntsville and have two sons.


+ Photo

Source: NASA/MSFC Press Release 06-142 Edited December 23, 2006 by Waspie_Dwarf

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NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans Has Key Role in Space Exploration -- Past, Present and Future

The Marshall Space Flight Center press release is reproduced below:

12.22.06

Kim Newton
Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.
256/544-0034

News Release: 06-144



When the 124th space shuttle external tank shipped from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, La., this week, it marked another milestone in the facility’s history -- beginning with the nation's first trip to the moon and continuing as NASA further explores the moon, Mars and other destinations in our solar system.

As space shuttle work continues at Michoud, NASA is making plans to use the facility's unique capabilities to help build the rocket and spacecraft that will replace the shuttle.

Tuesday's external tank shipment, scheduled to launch STS-117 in spring 2007, is nothing new for Michoud. NASA;s prime contractor for the external tank, Lockheed Martin Corp., has manufactured and assembled the shuttle tank there for nearly three decades. The capability that enables it to host the tank work also positions Michoud to provide other vital support to the Vision for Space Exploration to extend a human presence throughout the solar system.

The Space Shuttle Program;s external tank is built at Michoud, and NASA recently selected Michoud as the site for the manufacture and assembly of the Ares I crew launch vehicle and Ares V cargo launch vehicle upper stages. Ares I will carry the Orion vehicle with its crew of up to six astronauts to space, beginning the capsule’s journey to the moon. Ares V is the heavy-lift vehicle, which will carry large cargo to space, including the lunar lander, for use by lunar missions.

Michoud also will support other exploration projects. Lockheed Martin, responsible for the design, development and manufacture of the Orion crew vehicle, will build large structures and composite parts for the new capsule at Michoud. In addition, Rocketplane Kistler of Oklahoma City – one of two companies selected for NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services project to develop and demonstrate crew and cargo delivery to the International Space Station – will integrate and assemble its commercial vehicle at Michoud for launch in 2008.

These NASA-led activities will ensure that the Michoud facility will be used to its maximum extent in implementing a robust national space exploration program and also will actively engage the New Orleans business community to support NASA's exploration goals. "These activities -- for the Orion, Ares and Commercial Orbital Transportation System projects -- not only prove Michoud's standing as an asset to NASA's mission goals," said Patrick Scheuermann, chief operating officer at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility, "but also provide long term stability for employees, local industry and the economy of the New Orleans region as it recovers from Hurricane Katrina."

Michoud has a long, successful history and demonstrated expertise in the manufacture and assembly of launch vehicle and propulsion systems and components supporting NASA exploration missions. Michoud's space heritage dates back to the Apollo Program of the 1960s, when the facility was used to build the first stages of the Saturn I and V launch vehicles -- part of the family of rockets used to send American astronauts to low Earth orbit and to the moon.

The facility, on 832 acres of land, includes one of the world's largest manufacturing plants with 43 acres under one roof and a port with deep-water access -- a capability providing for transportation of large space systems and hardware.

Michoud will draw on its world-class manufacturing capabilities and partnerships -- including the National Center for Advanced Manufacturing (NCAM) in New Orleans -- to support NASA exploration projects. Founded in 1999, NCAM is a joint undertaking among government, academia and industry to fulfill technology needs of the aerospace and commercial markets. Through this partnership, new welding and fabrication techniques will play a crucial role in development of the aeroshell, a protective shell encasing spacecraft that provides an aerodynamic surface and protection from intense temperatures during atmospheric travel; propellant tanks; and the Orion capsule. A bonding technique known as friction stir welding, first used on the shuttle external tank in 2005, produces high-strength, defect-free joint welds and can uniformly weld materials together -- a vital requirement of next-generation launch vehicles and hardware that must endure long-term space travel. Composite fabrication, another innovative technology pursued by researchers, involves advanced fiber placement to strengthen construction of large, complex structures.

The Michoud Assembly Facility is a government-owned, contractor-operated component of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. The Marshall Center directly employs some 7,000 civil servant and contractor employees and manages a $2.3 billion dollar budget. Marshall has a proven history of developing key space transportation and propulsion technologies for NASA space exploration missions. Today, Marshall leads development of the agency’s next-generation launch vehicles, the Ares I crew launch vehicle and Ares V cargo launch vehicle; leads the Lunar Precursor and Robotic Program effort that will pave the way back to the moon; manages the Space Shuttle Program propulsion elements and science operations on the International Space Station; and pursues scientific breakthroughs to improve life on Earth.

For more information about the Ares projects on the Web, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ares/

For more information about NASA programs on the Web, visit

http://www.nasa.gov/home/

Source: NASA/MSFC Press Release 06-144

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NASA Completes Review Milestone for Ares I Vehicle

The press release is reproduced below:

01.04.07

Kim Newton
Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.
(Phone: 256.544.0034)

RELEASE: 07-002

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- NASA has completed the Ares I crew launch vehicle system requirements review -- the first such milestone for a U.S. human-rated launch vehicle system in more than 30 years. This review brings the agency one step closer to developing a new mode of space transportation for astronauts on missions to explore the moon, Mars and other destinations.


Image above: A concept image
of Ares I, NASA's crew launch
vehicle that will carry the Orion
capsule with its crews of four
to six astronauts to Earth orbit.
Image credit: NASA/MSFC

"This is a critical step for development of the Ares I crew launch vehicle," said Constellation program manager Jeff Hanley. "A great deal of engineering analysis and planning has culminated in a thorough review that gives us confidence to go forward with Ares I design work."

The system requirements review confirmed that the Ares I system requirements were complete, validated and responsive to mission requirements.

It also confirmed that the Ares I architecture and design concept can fulfill the mission objectives and that the Ares project is ready to begin engineering design activities. The Ares preliminary design review is scheduled for mid-2008.

This review is the first in a series of milestones that will occur before the actual flight hardware is built. Each major review provides more detailed requirements for the vehicle design to ensure the overall system can meet all NASA requirements for safe and reliable flight. The review process also identifies technical and management challenges, and addresses ways to reduce potential risks as the project goes forward.

"The successful completion of this first review is the culmination of a lot of hard work and long hours by many people around the country by our government and industry team," said Steve Cook, manager of Marshall's Exploration Launch Projects Office. "The result of their tireless efforts is that the board confirmed that we have a good, stable set of requirements to start the design phase of Ares I."

Among the items addressed in the review was the commitment to reduce operations costs through streamlined launch vehicle processing. All hardware elements -- the first stage, upper stage and upper stage engine -- are emphasizing operations simplicity to enable NASA to sustain long-term exploration of space within its budget.

The review follows a series of successful system requirements reviews for the Ares launch vehicle project, including for the J-2X engine, Ares I first stage and Ares I-1 test flight. The J-2X engine will power the upper stage of Ares I, as well as the Ares V Earth departure stage that will propel Orion from Earth orbit to the moon late next decade. Ares I-1, planned for launch in 2009, will be the first test flight of the integrated launch vehicle system.

In January 2007, the Ares project will begin the second in a series of design analyses cycles leading to final design and fabrication of the launch vehicle. This cycle will baseline design changes made during the first cycle. In the updated Ares 1 configuration, a common bulkhead between the upper stage liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen tanks has been substituted for an intertank, thus shortening the vehicle. The thrust profile for the Ares I first stage also has been baselined. This means requirements have been established for how the solid propellant inside the five-segment reusable solid rocket booster burns during ascent.

The Constellation Program, located at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, has overall responsibility for development of the crew exploration and launch vehicles and related systems in support of NASA exploration missions to extend a human presence throughout the solar system. The Exploration Launch Projects Office at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., is responsible for design and development of the Ares I crew and Ares V cargo launch vehicles. Johnson is responsible for development of the Orion capsule and mission operations. NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is responsible for ground and launch operations. The program also includes multiple project element teams at NASA centers and contract organizations around the nation.

For more information about the Ares projects on the Web, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ares/

For more information about NASA's Constellation Program, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/constellation/

For more information about NASA programs on the Web, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/home/

Source: NASA Press Release 07-002

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NASA Extends Ares I Development Contract

The contract release is reproduced below:

Jan 5, 2007

Michael Braukus/Beth Dickey
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1979/2087

Kim Newton
Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.
256-544-003

CONTRACT RELEASE: C07-02

NASA Extends Ares I Development Contract

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - NASA has authorized a contract action having a value of $48 million with ATK Launch Systems of Brigham City, Utah, to continue design and development of the first stage for the Ares I crew launch vehicle.

Ares I will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle and its crew of up to six astronauts, or other small cargo payloads, to low-Earth orbit. The first stage will consist of a single reusable solid rocket booster and motor similar to those used on the space shuttle, but with a fifth motor segment added. The upper stage will consist of a J-2X liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen engine and the associated propellant tanks and fuel distribution systems.

This Ares I first stage contract action will increase a first stage task under an existing shuttle contract by $48 million for a total work effort valued at $111 million. These activities are a preparatory effort leading up to the Ares I first stage prime contract, which will be awarded in the February 2007 timeframe.

The contract action maintains the design, development, test and evaluation schedule; expedites the procurement of new nozzle metal hardware and production tooling for propellant casting and nozzle fabrication; maintains the necessary design and engineering analysis; and continues participation in pilot parachute development tests. The action also provides support for an initial test flight in the spring of 2009 known as Ares I-1 and provides support for Ares I-1 in preparation for Preliminary Design Review. The test flight will use a simulated fifth segment on the first stage and a simulated upper stage.

For more information about NASA's Constellation Program, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/constellation

- end -

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source: NASA Contract Release C07-02

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Lockheed Martin press release is reproduced below:

LOCKHEED MARTIN READIES FOR ORION CREW EXPLORATION VEHICLE AT NASA'S KENNEDY SPACE CENTER

NASA transitions historic Operations & Checkout Building for use by Lockheed Martin and the Constellation Program

Kennedy Space Center, FL, January 30, 2007 -- In another milestone marking steady progress on the Orion crew exploration vehicle program, the Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] team accepted responsibility today for the Operations & Checkout (O&C) Building at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Kennedy Space Center. Lockheed Martin will use the historic facility to process Orion, America’s next-generation human spacecraft.

The transition announcement was made in a ceremony held today at Kennedy Space Center’s O&C Building originally used for the Apollo program. Lockheed Martin was selected by NASA last August to design and build Orion, a key element of NASA's Constellation Program that will succeed the Space Shuttle as NASA's primary vehicle for human space exploration by 2014.

Signaling the start of one the most significant spacecraft development efforts since the Space Shuttle, Orion is an advanced capsule design utilizing state-of-the-art technology that will be capable of transporting up to six crew members to and from the International Space Station and up to four crew members to the Moon and eventually to Mars. Final assembly, checkout and acceptance testing of Orion for both the Crew Module and Service Module will be performed in the O&C Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

"This is another significant step forward for the Orion program as we take this massive, historic building that served our nation’s space program so well during the Apollo years and completely modernize it for an entirely new generation of human space exploration vehicles,” said Cleon Lacefield, Vice President and Orion Program Manager, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company. “This is an exciting day for the entire team and we look forward to getting the O&C ready to support NASA’s Orion missions for decades to come.”

Modifications to the O&C Building will be needed to prepare it for the Orion program. Lockheed Martin will begin those modifications in April 2007 and will be completed in November 2008. Changes will include retrofitting of the existing Altitude Chamber to create a Thermal Vacuum Chamber for combined environment testing of Orion. Utilities such as power, nitrogen, housekeeping vacuum, compressed air and imagery cameras will be installed to support nine new Orion specific workstations. Included in outfitting those new workstations will be three new modular clean areas to provide a 100,000 class clean room environment, as well as creation and outfitting of a Refurbishment Area to support post-flight processing of the crew module for re-use. In addition, a dedicated Lockheed Martin Intranet (LMI) will be installed to perform secured data/information transmission.

Lockheed Martin chose the O&C Building for Orion’s final assembly and integration because proximity with the launch operations will provide much greater efficiency in the flow of testing and operations leading to launch on the Ares I launch vehicle. The synergies gained by utilizing KSC for assembly and integration will provide NASA with greater operational flexibility during the final integration of Orion with Ares I.

Additionally, the State of Florida provided incentives and financial assistance valued at $45.5 million for the Orion program to cover training, transportation infrastructure, facility improvements and equipment. $35 million is going toward upgrading and modernizing the O&C facility. $10.5 million is going toward workforce development and training for a new generation of skilled employees in Florida who will continue to be engaged in NASA’s next generation space program for decades to come.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company is one of the major operating units of Lockheed Martin Corporation. Space Systems designs, develops, tests, manufactures and operates a variety of advanced technology systems for military, civil and commercial customers. Chief products include a full range of space launch systems, including heavy-lift capability, ground systems, remote sensing and communications satellites for commercial and government customers, advanced space observatories and interplanetary spacecraft, fleet ballistic missiles and missile defense systems.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2006 sales of $39.6 billion.

Source: Lockheed Martin Press Release

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A New Beginning

The enormous open space of Kennedy Space Center's Operations and Checkout Building was filled with anticipation as representatives from NASA, Lockheed Martin, Space Florida, the state of Florida, honored guests and center employees participated in a ceremony on Jan. 30 to commemorate the conversion of the facility's high bay for use by the Constellation Program.

The event recognized the initial step in the transition of the first facility at Kennedy to accommodate the next generation of space vehicles.


Image above: Center Director Bill Parsons addresses
guests and attendees in the high bay of the
Operations and Checkout Building. Seated right to
left are, Russell Romanella, director of the
International Space Station and Spacecraft
Processing Directorate at Kennedy Space Center,
Cleon Lacefield, Lockheed Martin program manager;
Thad Altman, representative of the state of Florida;
Steve Koller, executive director of Space Florida; and
Skip Hatfield, Orion Project manager.
Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
+ View High-res Image

"We are proud of this building and its rich history, and together with NASA and the outstanding men and women of the Kennedy Space Center, we look forward to its exciting future," said Russell Romanella, director of NASA's International Space Station and Spacecraft Processing Directorate.

NASA has selected Lockheed Martin as the prime contractor to design, develop and build Orion, America's spacecraft for future exploration activities. The capsule will carry astronauts back to the moon and later to Mars.

In its illustrious past, the five-story structure was once called the Manned Spacecraft Operations Building and was used to process and test the Apollo modules for flight.


Image above: In this photo dated Dec. 12,
1967, the Apollo Spacecraft 020 Command
Module is hoisted into position for mating
with Service Module in the Kennedy's Manned
Spacecraft Operations Building. Spacecraft 020
was flown on the Apollo 6 unmanned, earth-
orbital space mission.
Photo credit: NASA/JSC
+ View High-res Image

Later in the space program, the renamed Operations and Checkout Building was used to house and test the Spacelab science modules before their journey to the International Space Station.

Kennedy Space Center and Space Florida partnered to begin the monumental task of preparing the building for the new program. The state of Florida provided additional funds to clear the facility of about 50 tons of steel stands, structures and equipment.
+ View Cleanup Video (Time-lapse video)

"We are very humbled that we can bring the Orion project to the same place where Apollo went through processing," said Cleon Lacefield, Orion program manager with Lockheed Space Systems Company. "It's great to be part of the KSC family."


Image above: Workers in the Operations and
Checkout Building prepare the Spacelab module,
housed in the U.S. Microgravity Laboratory-2
payload that was carried aboard the Space Shuttle
Columbia on Mission STS-73.
Photo credit: NASA/KSC
+ View High-res Image

Now poised to serve the Vision for Space Exploration, the 40-year-old building will be used by Lockheed Martin to complete the final assembly and testing of the new Orion crew capsule.

In the next few years, it will be great to see the "move from the empty building you see today to a bustling factory building the spacecraft of the future for our exploration initiative," said Skip Hatfield, manager of NASA's Crew Exploration Vehicle Project Office.

Newly appointed Kennedy Center Director William Parsons spoke about the importance of partnerships in keeping the Constellation Project moving forward.

"I'm committing NASA Kennedy Space Center to helping each one of you be successful," Parsons told the project partners. "That's my pledge to you."


Image above: After the ceremony, Center Director
Bill Parsons, representatives from NASA, Lockheed
Martin, Space Florida and the state of Florida unfurled
the new banner.
Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
+View High-res Image

Cheers and applause erupted when a new banner highlighting the Orion crew exploration vehicle was unfurled in the historic building, marking the official transfer of the facility to the Constellation Program.

NASA's next-generation spacecraft is targeted for flight no later than 2014, and Orion's first flight to the moon is planned for no later than 2020.


Elaine M. Marconi
NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center

Source: NASA/KSC - Kennedy News

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Arnold teams provide NASA with test data

by Philip Lorenz III
Arnold Engineering Development Center


Inna Kurits and Joe Norris examine the illuminated Temperature Sensitive
Paint coating on the NASA crew exploration vehicle model prior to a run
Feb. 1 at Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn. Two teams at Arnold Engineering
Development Center's Hypervelocity Wind Tunnel 9 conducted tests for
NASA's next crew exploration vehicle. Ms. Kurits is a University of
Maryland graduate student and Mr. Norris is a Tunnel 9 project engineer.
(U.S. Air Force photo/Arnold Collier)
Download HiRes

2/2/2007 - ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. (AFNEWS) -- Two teams at the Engineering Development Center's Hypervelocity Wind Tunnel 9 here were recently involved in tests for NASA's next crew exploration vehicle.

One team made use of conventional and advanced measurement techniques during the NASA-sponsored aerothermal testing on a scale model of the space agency's new Orion, the projected spacecraft that will send a new generation of explorers to the moon.

Orion is part of the Constellation Program to send human explorers to other destinations in the solar system. Orion is scheduled to make a manned mission no later than 2014 as the follow-on to the space shuttle, due to be retired in 2010.

The test objective was to obtain heating data over the model's surface at Mach 8 and 10 freestream conditions.

Unlike the development of the Apollo capsule, where the database was populated entirely using experimental data, the Orion database is being developed using advanced computational fluid dynamic techniques. The experimental data will be used to validate the computational fluid dynamic models for NASA's Orion database development.

The facility's unique high Mach number and high pressure capabilities allowed NASA to obtain data on the vehicle, "which they were not able to obtain in any other facility," said Joe Coblish, the project group team leader at Tunnel 9.

A second Tunnel 9 team provided support by pushing the use of temperature sensitive paint, or TSP, to its limits during the project's final phase. The goal was to further develop and demonstrate TSP's effectiveness and viability to collect test data in Tunnel 9's unique high-temperature and high-pressure hypersonic environment.

TSP is a system that includes a special paint, an ultra-violet illumination source and a sensitive-charge coupled-device camera to obtain surface temperature data. The paint is applied to the model in two layers -- a white undercoat and the TSP layer. The white undercoat provides a uniform reflective surface for the TSP. The illumination source excites the TSP layer, which fluoresces a bright red color with its intensity inversely proportional to the surface temperature on the model.

"TSP allows us to use what is described as a global mapping technique to get the desired parameter -- heat transfer in this case -- from the entire surface of the test article," said Joe Norris, Aerospace Testing Alliance's TSP developmental lead at Tunnel 9. "It's effectively like acquiring data from tens of thousands of thermocouples."

The team at Tunnel 9 had to deal with some technical challenges not experienced at other facilities working with TSP and Pressure Sensitive Paint, Mr. Norris said.

"Tunnel 9's unique combination of relatively short run times and high heating rates presents challenges that are unique in the world of TSP/PSP," he said. "High-quality, high-output, stable illumination fields are needed to combine with high-end, scientific-grade cameras to take images at frame rates fast enough to calculate heat transfer."

Source: US Air Force

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NASA Solicits Ideas for Constellation Ground Work

The press release is reproduced below:

Feb. 8, 2007

Beth Dickey/J.D. Harrington
Headquarters, Washington
(202) 358-2087/5241

Tracy Young
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
(321) 867-2468

RELEASE: 07-036

NASA Solicits Ideas for Constellation Ground Work

NASA has issued a request for information soliciting ideas on ground processing services for its Constellation Program and the next generation of space vehicles.

The request seeks input from industry to assist NASA in planning for the acquisition of ground processing, assembly, integration, test, launch and recovery services at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

These services will support the Orion crew exploration vehicle, the Ares I crew launch vehicle and the Ares V cargo launch vehicle beginning with the first Constellation Program flight tests and continuing with actual missions to the International Space Station and the moon. NASA hopes to issue a draft request for proposals in Spring 2008 and to award a contract in Summer 2009.

The Constellation family of spacecraft is being developed by NASA's Exploration Systems Mission Directorate.

For information about the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate and the Request for Information, visit

http://exploration.nasa.gov

For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/home/

Source: NASA Press Release 07-036

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Camping on the Moon Will Be One Far Out Experience

If Earth had a mountain so incredibly high that its peak poked through the outermost layer of our atmosphere, mountain climbers smart enough and hardy enough to reach the top would have some idea what it will be like to be camped on the moon.

For those mountain climbers, it would be quiet and there would be no wind or weather to overcome. But without long and careful preparation, those mountain climbers would have no air to breathe, no food or water and no protection from the sun's radiation. All around them would be rocks and, if they were lucky, perhaps a bit of frozen ice in the crevices that never saw the sun.

Now imagine that instead of reaching the peak and glorying in the accomplishment and beauty of the view for a day or two then returning to the meadows at the base of the mountain, the mission was to climb those unforgiving miles to the top and create a base camp suitable for living months at a time.


Image above: The "planetary surface habitat and airlock unit" has been
delivered to NASA Langley for ground-based evaluation of emerging
technologies such as health monitoring of flexible structures.
Credit: NASA/Jeff Caplan
+ View Larger Image
+ View Video
+ Captioned Video

That is the enormous challenge that NASA and its future exploration partners face now that the agency has announced its intention to build an outpost on the surface of the moon -- a base camp that would become busy when visitors are there, but that could be abandoned for long periods without long-term harm.

With such an outpost, NASA could learn to use the moon's natural resources to live off the land, make preparations for a journey to Mars, conduct a wide range of scientific investigations and encourage international participation.

The first mission could begin by 2020.

As currently envisioned, an incremental buildup would begin with four-person crews making several seven-day visits to the moon until their power supplies, rovers and living quarters are operational.

At that point, missions would be extended to two weeks, then two months and ultimately to 180 days. Over the first decade of lunar habitation, space travelers would learn the techniques and skills needed for the eventual journey to Mars.


Image above: The test structure will help researchers determine the best
designs and materials for inflatable lunar habitats, to include connecting
tunnels between crew quarters on the lunar surface.
Credit: NASA/Jeff Caplan
+ View Larger Image

The first steps in making a lunar outpost a reality are being taken now, as planners intensify their efforts to determine what it will take for humans to safely live and work on the lunar surface.

One team of experts from NASA's Langley Research Center, NASA's Johnson Space Center and NASA contractor ILC Dover LP is looking at inflation-deployed expandable structures as one possible building block for a lunar base.

"Inflatables can be used as connectors or tunnels between crew quarters and can provide radiation shelter if covered with lunar regolith (soil)," said Chris Moore, Exploration Technology Development Program program executive at NASA Headquarters.

As a starting point, ILC Dover has delivered a 12-foot (3.65 meter) diameter inflatable structure made of multilayer fabric to Langley for ground-based evaluation of emerging technologies such as flexible structural health monitoring systems, self-healing materials and radiation protective materials. Attached to the structure is a smaller inflatable structure that serves as a demonstration airlock. Both are essentially pressurized cylinders, connected by an airtight door.

The "planetary surface habitat and airlock unit" can also be used to evaluate materials, lightweight structure technologies, astronaut interfaces, dust mitigation techniques, and function with robotics and other lunar surface equipment.


Image above: Inflatable Structures Project Leader Karen Whitley stands
in the center of the 12-foot (3.65 meter) diameter inflatable lunar habitat
at NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, Va.
Credit: NASA/Jeff Caplan
+ View Larger Image

"Inflatable structures are very robust and adaptable. This demonstrator will show the capabilities of inflatable structures in future demonstrations at Langley and Johnson," said Dave Cadogan, research and development manager at ILC Dover.

In the next phase, the team will perform an architecture study comparing inflatable and rigid structures for crew habitats.

"This follow-on work will allow us to mature inflatable technology by designing and fabricating sub-scale inflatable components for more detailed testing," said Inflatable Structures Project lead Karen Whitley of Langley.

In a related development, the government-industry team -- spurred by a NASA Johnson proposal led by Larry Toups, space architect at Johnson -- will work with the National Science Foundation to build an inflatable structure for demonstration in the Antarctic. While not the lunar surface (or the top of an imaginary mountain), the harsh environment of the Antarctic will provide valuable lessons.

Once inflated, the unit will likely serve as a dry storage facility and be monitored for its behavior. The work is expected to start shortly. ILC Dover is contributing to the manufacturing of the unit, while Langley and Johnson will contribute a modest amount of manpower. The goal is to transport the unit to the Antarctic in 2008 -- in time to learn more about inflatable structures before decisions must be made between competing technologies for NASA's first habitable lunar base.

Whether lunar habitats are ultimately inflatable or constructed in some other way, designing for extreme living and working conditions will likely result in yet-unseen applications for everyday life right here on Earth.

Source: NASA - Missions - Exploration Edited April 2, 2007 by Waspie_Dwarf

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NASA Issues Ares I Upper Stage Production Request for Proposal

The press release is reproduced below:

Feb. 23, 2007

Beth Dickey/J.D. Harrington
Headquarters, Washington
(202) 358-2087/5241

Kim Newton
Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.
256-544-0034

RELEASE: 07-051

NASA Issues Ares I Upper Stage Production Request for Proposal

WASHINGTON - Friday NASA issued a request for proposal for the Ares I launch vehicle upper stage element. Ares I is the launch vehicle that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle and its crew and cargo to low Earth orbit. The upper stage proposals are due to Marshall Space Flight Center no later than 1 p.m. CST April 13, 2007.

The request for proposal states the procurement approach for obtaining the upper stage element. The selected contractor will produce the required Ares I upper stage and provide support to a NASA-led design team during the design phase. The contract will provide for the manufacture and assembly of test articles, flight test units, and the operational upper stage elements to support NASA’s flight manifest through 2016. Final manufacturing and assembly will take place at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in Louisiana.

The Ares I upper stage, with a separately procured upper stage engine and a separately procured instrument ring, will provide the navigation, guidance, control and propulsion required for the second stage of the Ares I ascent. The first stage will consist of a single reusable solid rocket booster and motor similar to those used on the space shuttle but with a fifth motor segment attached.

The contract to manufacture and assemble the Ares I upper stage element will be awarded through a full and open competition and managed by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. A selection will be made in August 2007.

For more information about the draft request for proposal on the Web, visit

http://exploration.nasa.gov

For information about NASA’s Ares Projects on the Web, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ares

Source: NASA Press Release 07-051 Edited February 23, 2007 by Waspie_Dwarf

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NASA Awards Turbine Pump Assembly Contract for Ares I

The contract release is reproduced below:

Feb. 23, 2007

Beth Dickey/J.D. Harrington
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-2087/5241

Sally Harrington
Glenn Research Center, Cleveland
216-433-2037

CONTRACT RELEASE: C07-07

NASA Awards Turbine Pump Assembly Contract for Ares I

CLEVELAND - NASA has selected Hamilton Sundstrand Space Systems International Inc. of Rockford, Ill., to design, develop, fabricate, test and deliver engineering models of a turbine pump assembly for the Ares I upper stage thrust vector control subsystem. The cost-plus-fixed-fee contract - a competitive award - has a two-year period of performance with a maximum value of $5,009,388.

NASA's Glenn Research Center is the agency's lead for the Ares I upper stage thrust vector control subsystem, part of NASA's Constellation Program.

For more information on the Web about Glenn's roles and responsibilities for Ares I, visit:

http://exploration.grc.nasa.gov/Exploration/Constellation/Launch

For more information on the Web about NASA's Constellation Program, visi:

http://www.nasa.gov/constellation

- end -

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source: NASA Contract Release C07-07 Edited February 23, 2007 by Waspie_Dwarf

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NASA Completes Key Review of Orion Spacecraft

The press release is reproduced below:

Mar. 7, 2007

Beth Dickey/J.D. Harrington
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-2087/5241

Kelly Humphries/John Ira Petty
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-511

RELEASE: 07-58

NASA Completes Key Review of Orion Spacecraft

WASHINGTON - NASA has established a requirements baseline for the Orion crew exploration vehicle, bringing America's next human spacecraft a step closer to construction.

The Orion Project completed its system requirements review in cooperation with its prime contractor, Lockheed Martin, March 1. The review marked the first major milestone in the Orion engineering process and provided the foundation for design, development, construction and safe operation of the spacecraft that will carry explorers to Earth orbit, to the moon, and eventually to Mars. The detailed requirements established in this review will serve as the basis for ongoing design analysis work and systems testing.

"This is a significant step in the development of a space transportation system that will expand our horizons to include other worlds," said Skip Hatfield, Orion Project manager at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The Orion review followed an overall review of requirements for the Constellation Program that was completed in November. Similar reviews are planned later this spring for ground and mission operations systems that will support Constellation launch systems and space flight operations ground infrastructure.

"We have now completed program-wide launch vehicle and human spacecraft system requirements reviews," said Constellation Program Manager Jeff Hanley. "These are important pieces of a management and engineering puzzle that will allow us to accomplish the goal of putting humans back on the moon."

The Orion requirements data set was reviewed by agency and contractor scientists and engineers from across the country. More than 1,700 topics covering all aspects of vehicle performance, design and qualification were discussed during the course of the formal review.

Once all project-level reviews are complete, the Constellation Program will hold another full review to update baseline requirements. A lunar architecture systems review of equipment associated with surface exploration and science activities on the moon is expected in the spring of 2009.

For more information about NASA's Constellation Program, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/constellation

For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov

Source: NASA Press Release 07-058

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NASA Glenn to Test Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle

The press release is reproduced below:

Mar. 7, 2007

Beth Dickey/J.D. Harrington
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-2087/5241

Sallie A. Keith
Glenn Research Center, Cleveland
216-433-5795

Kelly O. Humphries
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-244-5111

RELEASE: 07-069

NASA Glenn to Test Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle

CLEVELAND - NASA's Glenn Research Center will conduct integrated environmental testing of the Orion crew exploration vehicle in the Space Power Facility at the center's Plum Brook Station in Sandusky, Ohio.

The environmental tests are designed to demonstrate the ability of Orion hardware to meet specified performance requirements in simulated environmental conditions such as those experienced during launch, in-orbit operations and re-entry. Thermal, acoustic and mechanical vibration and electromagnetic compatibility testing will be conducted on Orion's full assembly. The launch abort system, crew module, service module and spacecraft adapter will be tested.

The work is valued at approximately $63 million during a five-year period from 2007 to 2011. During this period, the Space Power Facility will be augmented with a number of capabilities, including a new acoustic chamber and a mechanical vibration test stand. Specialized equipment that will enable electromagnetic test capabilities also will be added to the thermal vacuum chamber.

"We are pleased to play this essential role in the agency's quest to develop the next generation of space vehicles," said Glenn Director Dr. Woodrow Whitlow, Jr. "The Space Power Facility is the world's largest thermal vacuum chamber. The modifications will enhance this world-class facility and allow us to make significant contributions to the development of future space systems."

The Space Power Facility measures 100 feet in diameter by 122 feet in height. The facility currently can simulate in-space conditions such as low vacuum environments and temperature extremes. The facility's wide-ranging capabilities have been used extensively to test rocket payload fairings; orbital hardware, including International Space Station systems; and planetary landing and surface systems such as the Mars Exploration Rover landing systems.

The testing will be performed in support of NASA's Constellation Program, which is developing spacecraft and other systems to support NASA's exploration mission to the moon, Mars and other destinations in the solar system, and its Orion Project Office. Both are located at NASA's Johnson Space Center in, Houston. Glenn is leading development of the Orion service module for the Orion Project Office.

For more information about Orion, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/orion

- end -

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source: NASA Press Release 07-069

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Boeing Announces Industry Team for Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle Upper Stage Production

The Boeing press release is reproduce below:


Photo Credit: Boeing
Neg #: MSF07-1725-1


Photo Credit: Boeing
Neg #: MSF07-1726-1


ST. LOUIS, March 28, 2007 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] will lead a team of suppliers in pursuit of a contract for production of the upper stage for the Ares I crew launch vehicle, NASA's first new human-rated launch vehicle since the space shuttle.

Ares I, which will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low Earth orbit, is an essential element of the nation's space exploration program that will return astronauts to the moon no later than 2020.

Boeing suppliers include:

• Hamilton Sundstrand, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. [NYSE: UTX]
• Moog Inc. [NYSE: MOG.A and MOG.B]
• Northrop Grumman Corporation [NYSE: NOC]
• Orion Propulsion Inc.
• SUMMA Technology Inc.
• Chickasaw Nation Industries
• United Space Alliance
• United Launch Alliance

Each supplier brings specific capabilities tailored to NASA's stated Ares I upper stage needs. This team provides world class technical expertise, proven performance in their Ares I roles and an innovative, low-cost small business orientation. Located predominantly in Huntsville, Ala., and New Orleans, La., Boeing's team will focus on providing responsive support to the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center customer.

Leveraging decades of experience in advanced aerospace design, manufacturing and assembly as well as common procurement systems and procedures, the Boeing-led team will provide NASA a full breadth of capabilities for the Ares I crew launch vehicle.

"We will bring innovative manufacturing approaches and the best elements of Boeing and our teammates to bear on this critical NASA Constellation Program element," said Jim Chilton, Boeing's vice president of Exploration Launch Systems. "Our lean practices, proven in commercial airplanes and defense programs, will help us provide a low cost, safe and reliable upper stage.

"Our team is composed of industry leaders with experience in their Ares I upper stage roles. We don't want to add risk to NASA's program," Chilton added. "Our team was built around NASA's requirements."

Boeing's Ares I team will provide the following services --

• SUMMA Technology Inc., a small disadvantaged business located in Huntsville, Ala., will produce the large barrel panels for the upper stage. The company has been a Boeing supplier for many years and is well versed on lean practices through its role in the Boeing Integrated Defense Systems aircraft supply chain.
• Hamilton Sundstrand (HS) will work closely with Moog to produce the Thrust Vector Control (TVC) subsystem that steers the upper stage as well as key propulsion components and upper stage subassemblies. NASA recently selected Hamilton Sundstrand for the advanced technology contract related to the TVC turbine pump assembly. Besides its extensive heritage in human rated flight experience, HS is a Boeing partner in lean manufacturing practices for power and environmental control systems on commercial airplanes.
• Moog Inc. will provide critical components for the Main Propulsion System and Reaction Control System propulsion systems and will work with Hamilton Sundstrand on the TVC subsystem. Moog already has been selected by NASA for advanced technology development work related to hydraulic actuators and controllers. Besides its extensive heritage in human rated flight experience, Moog is a Boeing partner in lean manufacturing practices for primary flight control systems on commercial airplanes.
• Northrop Grumman, with more than 30 years of experience in the design, production engineering and manufacturing of aerospace composites, will produce the Ares I upper stage composite interstage.
• Orion Propulsion Inc., a growing small, woman-owned aerospace company located in Huntsville, Ala., will supply reaction control system thruster test equipment, tooling and test support services. Orion also will provide design, fabrication and testing expertise.
• Chickasaw Nation Industries, a tribally-owned small business, will provide logistics support for the upper stage and will be responsible for some of the day-to-day operations, such as inventory control.
• United Launch Alliance will provide its rocket production expertise as well as experience with the development, operation and production of five-meter cryogenic launch systems based on the current Delta IV system. Delta IV is the state-of-the-art for cryogenic rockets in production today.
• United Space Alliance (USA) will be responsible for design for operations and supportability, leveraging more than 10 years of space shuttle operations experience and lessons learned. United Space Alliance will support the logistics support infrastructure, vehicle and ground systems integration, operation and test, maintenance and training systems at Kennedy Space Center. USA also will support mission operations, test, and training at Johnson Space Center.

NASA is expected to award the Ares I upper stage production contract in late August.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.4 billion business with 72,000 employees worldwide.

###

Source: Boeing press release

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ATK Highlights Progress on Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle Project on Track for Ground Tests and Development Flights

The ATK press release is reproduce below:

MINNEAPOLIS, April 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) has made significant progress in developing hardware and materials in support of NASA's new Ares I crew launch vehicle. The Ares I is designed to carry crews to the International Space Station, back to the moon, and on to Mars.

In December 2005, NASA selected ATK to be the prime contractor for design and development of the first-stage propulsion system for the Ares I. The first stage is a five-segment solid rocket booster derived from the four-segment Space Shuttle reusable solid rocket motors (RSRM) developed and produced by ATK. "We have made tremendous progress over the past year, and the project is on track to conduct ground and flight tests scheduled to begin in 2009," said Ron Dittemore, President, ATK Launch Systems.

The company is primarily using existing RSRM hardware for the new stage, but has added some newly designed components to increase performance and meet a different flight profile. A number of these components are undergoing dimensional checks and verification at ATK's facilities in Utah. The parts currently being processed are destined for two full-scale engineering process simulation articles which will be shipped to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Ala. in March 2008 to undergo loads testing and analysis of the motor.

Changes to increase performance and meet the new flight profile include an enhanced shape of the propellant grain in the forward section, and a larger nozzle throat diameter. The core tooling to be used to achieve the new propellant shape is in manufacturing, as are components for the new nozzle.

In addition, two mockups of the forward skirt, a section located at the top of the motor between the first and second stages, have also been constructed. The forward skirt is a structural housing for all the first stage electronics. The mockups will simulate the physical space available for the avionics and will be used to determine the optimal required space and placement of the electronics.

ATK is a $3.5 billion advanced weapon and space systems company employing approximately 15,500 people in 21 states. News and information can be found on the Internet at http://www.atk.com/.

Certain information discussed in this press release constitutes forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although ATK believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved. Forward-looking information is subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Among those factors are: changes in governmental spending, budgetary policies and product sourcing strategies; the company's competitive environment; the terms and timing of awards and contracts; and economic conditions. ATK undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. For further information on factors that could impact ATK, and statements contained herein, please refer to ATK's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE: Alliant Techsystems

Web site: http://www.atk.com/

Source: ATK press release

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Orbital To Provide Abort Test Booster For NASA Testing

The Orbital press release is reproduced below:

Orbital To Provide Abort Test Booster For NASA Testing
-- Company to be Responsible for the Design, Production and Flight of Boost
Vehicle to Verify Astronaut Safety System --

-- Initial Three-Year Contract from U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, Space Development and Test Wing Valued at Approximately $35 Million; Contract Also Includes $45 Million of Options for Additional Test Flights and Spare Vehicles --

(Dulles, VA 11 April 2007) -- Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB) today announced that it has been selected by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the U.S. Air Force Space Development and Test Wing (SDTW) to design and build the next-generation NASA Orion Abort Test Booster (ATB). The contract was awarded under SDTW's Sounding Rockets Program 2 (SRP-2) contract, which allows the use of surplus government boosters to reduce launch vehicle cost for U.S. Government-sponsored missions.

The ATB is part of NASA's Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle project that will succeed the Space Shuttle in transporting humans to and from the International Space Station, the Moon and eventually to Mars and beyond. Orbital's role is to develop, build and test a new booster configuration to demonstrate and qualify the Orion Launch Abort System (LAS) that will allow the astronaut crew to safely escape in the event of an emergency during launch pad operations and through the ascent of the Orion vehicle. As part of the Lockheed Martin Corporation-led team, Orbital is also designing and building the LAS. Previous abort test boosters for the Mercury and Apollo programs have been called Little Joe I and Little Joe II, respectively. The ATB design, using Orbital's proven rocket technology, is a key element in demonstrating the new system that will vastly improve the safety of the flight crew.

"We are very pleased to be a member of the NASA/SDTW Orion ATB team, particularly for these early Orion flights, which will demonstrate important crew safety systems," said Mr. Mark Ogren, Orbital's Vice President of Business Development of its Launch Systems Group. "Orbital had been working toward designing the optimal vehicle configuration that will best perform these missions for over three years."

Orbital is under contract to the Air Force to manage, design, build and test the ATB at its Chandler, Arizona campus, as well as at government test facilities in California and New Mexico. The basic contract calls for a three-year program, including developmental activities and two planned flights in 2009 and 2010. Contract options could add up to two additional flights and two spare vehicles through 2011.

About Orbital

Orbital develops and manufactures small space and rocket systems for commercial, military and civil government customers. The company's primary products are satellites and launch vehicles, including low-orbit, geosynchronous-orbit and planetary spacecraft for communications, remote sensing, scientific and defense missions; ground- and air-launched rockets that deliver satellites into orbit; and missile defense systems that are used as interceptor and target vehicles. Orbital also offers space-related technical services to government agencies and develops and builds satellite-based transportation management systems for public transit agencies and private vehicle fleet operators. More information about Orbital can be found at http://www.orbital.com

Source: Orbital press release

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Boeing Submits Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle Upper Stage Production Proposal

The Boeing press release is reproduce below:

ST. LOUIS, April 13, 2007 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today submitted its final cost volume bid to NASA for production of the Ares I crew launch vehicle upper stage.

The Boeing-led team provided a tailored proposal designed to meet or exceed NASA requirements by leveraging best-of-industry suppliers, including several with advanced technology development contracts on critical Ares I systems.

"We offer unique capability to NASA's Ares I team, bringing value based on our experience in commercial, defense and space programs, along with innovation and new advocacy and outreach efforts," said Jim Chilton, Boeing vice president of Exploration Launch Systems. "We are completely committed to delivering NASA a safe, affordable and producible upper stage."

Boeing's team of suppliers include Hamilton Sundstrand, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. [NYSE: UTX], Moog Inc. [NYSE: MOG.A and MOG.B], Northrop Grumman Corporation [NYSE: NOC], Orion Propulsion Inc., SUMMA Technology Inc., United Space Alliance and the United Launch Alliance.

"We recognize our suppliers are critical to our proposal, and we have worked closely with them to ensure they know our processes, approaches, people and tools and that their capabilities precisely match NASA's needs," said Chilton. "Boeing and its suppliers are fully prepared to continue our collaboration with NASA and are positioned to begin work immediately upon contract award."

Boeing submitted two earlier volumes: one on past performance on March 16 and another on mission suitability and plans on April 2. Delivery of this final Ares I upper stage production proposal volume culminates more than a year-long effort to bring Boeing's best lean manufacturing practices to NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, La., where the upper stage will be built. NASA is expected to award the Ares I upper stage production contract in late August or early September.

Ares I, which will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low Earth orbit, is an essential element of the nation's space exploration program that will return astronauts to the moon no later than 2020.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.4 billion business with 72,000 employees worldwide.

###

Source: Boeing press release

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NASA Buys Abort Test Boosters for Orion Flight Tests

The press release is reproduced below:

April 16, 2007

Beth Dickey
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-2087

Kelly Humphries
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111

Leslie Williams
Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, Calif.
661-276-3893

RELEASE: 07-86

NASA Buys Abort Test Boosters for Orion Flight Tests

WASHINGTON - NASA has entered into an agreement with the U.S. Air Force to support abort flight test requirements for the Orion Project. The Air Force has contracted with Orbital Sciences Corp. of Chandler, Ariz., to provide launch services for the flight tests.

The agreement with the Air Force's Space Development and Test Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., provides for abort test boosters that will serve as launch vehicles for Orion ascent abort flight tests that are set to occur from 2009 through 2011 at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The first abort test is scheduled for 2008, but will not require a functional booster.

The tests will support certification of the Orion crew exploration vehicle's launch abort system. The system includes a small escape rocket designed to ensure the safety of the crew in the event of a launch vehicle malfunction while on the launch pad or during ascent to orbit. A total of six tests are planned, pending environmental assessments. Two will simulate an abort from the launch pad and will not require a booster. The rest will use abort test boosters and simulate aborts at three stressing conditions along the Ares launch vehicle trajectory.

The Orion Project Office, based at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, designated Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., as the lead NASA center for abort flight test integration and operations, including procurement of the boosters. The project is developing the Orion spacecraft as part of an effort by NASA's Constellation Program to return humans to the moon and prepare for future voyages to Mars and other destinations in our solar system.

Through a competitive procurement, the Air Force has awarded a task order for two abort test boosters with options for two others under the existing Sounding Rockets Program 2. This indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract task order is valued between $35 million and $57 million. The four Sounding Rockets Program 2 contractors, including the winner, Orbital Sciences of Dulles, Va., were allowed to compete for the job of providing booster integration and launch support services. The Air Force has conducted 16 launches in the past 11 years under the Sounding Rockets Program.

The agreement for abort flight test support benefits both NASA and the Air Force. By making use of the experienced Air Force and contractor team, NASA reduces development risk associated with design and development of a new and unique launch vehicle for these tests. NASA also achieves financial savings while meeting an aggressive Orion test schedule. The Air Force benefits through reduced risk associated with future Air Force small launches, increased opportunity for service personnel to gain expertise, and a greater chance to share technologies.

The 3rd Space Test Squadron, a unit of the Air Force's Space Development and Test Wing, will manage abort test booster launch support services and integration of decommissioned Peacekeeper-class intercontinental ballistic missile assets. On a cost reimbursable basis, the squadron will provide integration support, project management support and related services.

The squadron regularly uses decommissioned Minuteman II and Peacekeeper rocket motors for government research and development of space launch and missile defense test target vehicles.

For information about NASA's Constellation Program, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/constellation

Source: NASA Press Release 07-86

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ATK, Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Present Proposal for Ares I Upper Stage

The ATK press release is reproduce below:

Focused on Seamless Integration and Reduced Risk

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., April 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK), Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), and Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne (NYSE: UTX) today presented to NASA an oral summary of their proposal for the Ares I Upper Stage. The proposal has been delivered in stages over the last month and culminated with the submittal of the cost volume last week.

The three companies have developed a complementary relationship, leveraging their strong experience and capabilities on NASA Human Space Flight programs to provide the Ares I project a springboard to minimize program costs, maintain aggressive development and test schedules, and reduce the technical risk going forward.

"We have been preparing for this procurement for nearly a year and announced our core team back in September 2006," said Ron Dittemore, President of ATK Launch Systems Group. "We have also built a strong team of subcontractors that have been hand-selected to round out our team. Together, we have developed a proposal that presents a seamless effort, and we are ready to perform on this crucial contract for NASA and our Nation."

Known as "Team Ares," the core companies are natural partners to support NASA on this upper stage effort, demonstrating unparalleled experience in system and subsystem design, development, manufacturing, integration, test, and risk management for human-rated hardware. The team members have participated in every U.S. human space flight program throughout NASA's history.

"By combining our core competencies and working together in a seamless manner, we can significantly reduce integration issues and system complexity -- and help NASA achieve the vision for Space Exploration at this critical point in the program," added Dittemore.

About the companies

ATK's Launch Systems Group provides innovative and cost-effective launch systems solutions to a broad range of customers. The Group is the world's leading manufacturer of rocket motor systems for human-rated and unmanned space launch vehicles, strategic missiles, and missile defense interceptors. It serves both commercial and government customers, including prime contractors, NASA, the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U. S. Army and U.S. Missile Defense Agency.

ATK is a $3.5 billion advanced weapon and space systems company employing approximately 15,500 people in 21 states. News and information can be found on the Internet at http://www.atk.com/ .

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company is one of the major operating units of Lockheed Martin Corporation. Space Systems designs, develops, tests, manufactures and operates a variety of advanced technology systems for military, civil and commercial customers. Chief products include a full range of space launch systems, including heavy-lift capability, ground systems, remote sensing and communications satellites for commercial and government customers, advanced space observatories and interplanetary spacecraft, fleet ballistic missiles and missile defense systems.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2006 sales of $39.6 billion.

Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc., a part of Pratt & Whitney, offers a complete line of propulsion products for launch vehicles to missile defense to advanced hypersonic propulsion. These have been used in a wide variety of government and commercial applications, including the main engines for the space shuttle, Atlas and Delta launch vehicles, and high altitude defense systems.

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies provides high-technology products and services to the aerospace and building industries.

Media Contacts

ATK - George Torres, 801-251-2819 office, 801-699-2637 cell, george.torres@atk.com

Lockheed Martin - Joan Underwood, Office 303-971-7398, Mobile 303-594-7073, joan.b.underwood@lmco.com

Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne - Bryan Kidder, 818-586-2213 office, 818 307-3830 cell, bryan.kidder@pwr.utc.com

SOURCE: ATK

CONTACT: George Torres, ATK, +1-801-251-2819 office, +1-801-699-2637
cell, george.torres@atk.com ; or Joan Underwood, Lockheed Martin, Office
+1-303-971-7398, Mobile +1-303-594-7073, joan.b.underwood@lmco.com ; or
Bryan Kidder, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, +1-818-586-2213 office,
+1-818-307-3830 cell, bryan.kidder@pwr.utc.com

Web site: http://www.atk.com/

Source: ATK press release Edited April 20, 2007 by Waspie_Dwarf

[Waspie_Dwarf]

NASA Modifies Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle Contract

The contract release is reproduced below:

April 20, 2007

Beth Dickey/J.D. Harrington
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-2087/5241

Kelly Humphries
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111

CONTRACT RELEASE: C07-21

NASA Modifies Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle Contract

WASHINGTON - NASA has modified its contract with Lockheed Martin Corp. of Littleton, Colo., to design, test and build the Orion crew exploration vehicle.

The updated contract contains three significant changes. Two years have been added to the design phase. Two test flights of Orion's launch abort system have been added. And production of a pressurized cargo carrier for the International Space Station has been deleted from the initial design phase.

NASA continues work to ensure a smooth transition from the Space Shuttle Program to the Constellation Program. This is demonstrated in a fourth element of the contract modification that provides for use of surplus raw materials, such as aluminum-lithium ingots now used in the construction of space shuttle fuel tanks, for Orion.

"NASA and Lockheed have been working together as a team during the past six months to iron out many critical design and schedule details," said Skip Hatfield, manager the Orion Project at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. "This contract update will synchronize our spending plan with the rest of the Constellation Program."

NASA awarded the Orion prime contract to Lockheed Martin Corp. on Aug. 31, 2006. At that time, the development portion of the contract was valued at $3.9 billion with a period of performance through December 2011. This contract modification, in the amount of $385 million, brings the total value to approximately $4.3 billion and adjusts the development period of performance through December 2013.

This update is the result of a NASA request for engineering change proposal issued on Dec. 15, 2006. Lockheed Martin's proposal was received March 7, 2007. The contract modification was signed April 20.

The modification reflects continuing progress on Orion's development, including program formulation and systems assessments addressing the rocket, ground infrastructure and all other elements necessary for a successful first launch. The period of performance now matches the evolving NASA budget landscape.

"The Orion team has made some critical decisions that will maximize the performance and flexibility of this spacecraft," said Jeff Hanley, manager of the Constellation Program at Johnson. "This spacecraft will be a cornerstone of America's human exploration of the solar system by a new generation of explorers, and these changes and additional tests will ensure that it is robust enough to accomplish its missions."

Meanwhile, work progresses as planned on the contract. NASA and Lockheed Martin have completed Orion's systems requirements review and are moving toward a systems design review scheduled in August.

For information about NASA's Constellation Program and Orion Project, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/constellation

- end -

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source: NASA Contract Release C07-21 Edited May 4, 2007 by Waspie_Dwarf

[Waspie_Dwarf]

Orion Ignites Manager's Dreams

Kelvin Manning has seen the space shuttles up close for about 15 years. Now he's excited about helping NASA give birth to a new spacecraft, one destined to go to the moon.

The Orion capsule and its service module will take shape in the high bay of the Operations and Checkout Building a few feet from Manning's office and those of the Constellation Program at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Coordination is the key word for the engineer's role as he watches over Orion's development from the Kennedy perspective. For Manning, it presents the latest challenge in a career that has spanned 25 years and seen aerospace from several different perspectives.


Image above: Kelvin Manning will oversee work on
the Orion spacecraft at Kennedy. The capsule is slated
to carry astronauts to the moon.
Photo credit: Steven Siceloff, NASA/KSC
+ View Larger Image

"Coming out of the Air Force Academy I wanted to fly, but I didn't end up being a pilot, so I worked space operations," he explained.

Opting out of the military, Manning worked for several contractors including McDonnell Douglas as the company supported the shuttle program at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Seeing an opportunity to work at Kennedy, Manning signed up for NASA operations.

"My first interview with NASA was with (astronaut) Bob Crippen," he said. "It was a great discussion."

Manning was eager to see the launch pads, processing facilities and shuttles up close as soon as he arrived at the Florida center.

Before long, Manning started working third shifts, holidays and weekends to learn about the orbiters and NASA culture. He moved up to become NASA vehicle manager for Columbia, then NASA test director. Next came the role of flow director for Atlantis, a position which called on him to make sure the orbiter is ready for its mission.

While overseeing Atlantis' preparation for the STS-110 mission, he ended up readying the vehicle for Air Force Academy classmate Michael Bloomfield, who was commanding the flight to the International Space Station.

"I felt privileged to know the guy," Manning said.

Manning next took on a project to replace the spacecraft fleet he had grown so familiar with. The effort, known then as an orbital space plane, did not have a firm timeline because no one was sure when the space shuttle would be retired.

But with a firm directive in the nation's Vision for Space Exploration, the Constellation project Program had a clear destination and Manning knew he would be watching over a capsule designed for the moon instead of a space plane.

"What's different was the decision to retire the space shuttle in 2010," he explained. "That's pretty firm."

Lockheed Martin was chosen to build the capsule, which will fly its first missions to the International Space Station. Although the large components of the capsule will be built elsewhere, they will be assembled into one spacecraft at the Operations and Checkout Building. "This is going to be more or less a Lockheed Martin factory," Manning said.


Image above: Artistic concept of the Orion spacecraft
atop an Ares I booster.
Photo credit: NASA/KSC
+ View Larger Image

It is part of Manning's duty to get the Kennedy Space Center ready for the new spacecraft, from the facility at the Operations and Checkout Building, to the reconfigured launch pad to stacking the modules on top of a shuttle-derived, solid-fueled rocket booster and liquid-fueled upper stage.

The goal is a simpler, safer manned spacecraft, but Manning left no doubt about the challenge of handling a program from the ground up.

"This is the hardest job I've ever had," he said. "Working with a new program, you understand the depth of the shuttle program."

How different is the capsule from the orbiter, on a scale of one to 10?

"I would call it an 8 1/2, nine."

For those looking for a concrete sign of progress, Manning points to April 2009.

"When we start getting ready to do this first test flight (of the Ares I booster), that's going to be a big deal. Here, internally, when you start stacking those boosters and the test articles start rolling in, it'll be more real for folks. . . . It's real for me right now."


Steven Siceloff
NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center

Source: NASA - Constellation Program - Orion Crew Vehicle

[Waspie_Dwarf]

NASA Awards Heat Shield Material Contracts for Orion Spacecraft

The contract release is reproduced below:

May 4, 2007

Melissa Mathews/Beth Dickey
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1272/2087

John Bluck
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif.
650-604-5026

CONTRACT RELEASE: C07-23

NASA Awards Heat Shield Material Contracts for Orion Spacecraft

WASHINGTON - NASA has selected The Boeing Company, Huntington Beach, Calif., and Textron Systems, Wilmington, Mass., to develop alternate heat shield materials for the Orion crew exploration spacecraft.

The two contracts for Alternate Block 2 Thermal Protection System (TPS) Materials and Heat Shield Systems Advanced Development will support development and testing of three alternative heat shield materials, designs and manufacturing processes. Under the contracts, the companies will work to ensure the technologies are mature enough to become viable backups if there are difficulties with the primary material.

NASA's Constellation Program is developing Orion as America's primary vehicle for future human space exploration. Orion will carry astronauts to the International Space Station by 2015, with a goal of landing astronauts on the moon no later than 2020. The Orion TPS Advanced Development Project, led by Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif., was established to develop a heat shield to protect Orion during its return from low-Earth orbit or the moon.

In September 2006, Boeing was awarded a contract to develop the primary heat shield material, Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator (PICA), manufactured by its subcontractor, Fiber Materials, Inc., Biddeford, Maine. The alternate materials will be developed fully only if the primary material does not perform to Orion Project specifications. NASA will assess and evaluate all of the Alternate Block 2 TPS materials through initial testing and select the most promising of the materials for further development, if needed.

The Alternate Block 2 contract awarded to Boeing has an approximate value of $10 million, including all options, and calls for Boeing to perform early investigation of a proprietary material, the Boeing Phenolic Ablator (BPA).

The contract awarded to Textron has a value of approximately $24 million, including all options, and calls for Textron Systems to perform early investigation of two proprietary material options, Avcoat (used on Apollo) and Dual Layer.

Each contract has a 16-month performance period from May 4, 2007, until Aug. 31, 2008.

For more information about the Orion heat shield, see:

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/research/humaninspace/cevheatshield.html

For information about Orion, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/orion

For information about NASA and agency programs, please visit:

http://www.nasa.gov

- end -

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source: NASA Contract Release C07-23

[Waspie_Dwarf]

NASA to Build New Stand at Stennis to Test Ares Rocket Engines

The press release is reproduced below:

May 8, 2007

Melissa Mathews/Beth Dickey
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1272/2087

Paul Foerman
Stennis Space Center, Miss.
228-688-3333

Leslie Williams
Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, Calif.
661-276-3893

RELEASE: 07-103

NASA to Build New Stand at Stennis to Test Ares Rocket Engines

BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. - NASA will test one of the rocket engines it is developing for its new launch vehicles at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. The agency will build a new test stand at Stennis for the J-2X engine. The engine will power the upper stages of NASA's Ares I and Ares V rockets.

Stennis already is home to Apollo-era test stands that have served the nation's space program through the shuttle era. The newly proposed structure will be the first large test stand built at the center since the 1960s. Unlike the older structures, the new 300-foot-tall, open-frame design will allow engineers to simulate conditions at different altitudes.

NASA engineers need to simulate various altitudes to test the J-2X's ability to function as a second stage engine for the Ares I crew launch vehicle and the Earth Departure Stage engine for the Ares V cargo launch vehicle. To do that, the test stand will generate approximately 4,620 pounds per second of steam and use it to reduce the engine test cell pressure.

NASA will complete the new stand in time to support the first J-2X engine test in December 2010. An existing test stand at Stennis also is being modified to test the J-2X engine at sea level conditions.

Ares I will launch the Orion spacecraft, taking astronauts to the International Space Station no later than 2015, then to the moon by 2020. The Ares V will carry cargo and components into orbit for trips to the moon and later to Mars. The new spacecraft are key components of NASA's Constellation Program.

"This new test stand will enable the critical testing needed to verify the Ares I upper stage engine performance at altitude conditions," said Stennis Center Director Rick Gilbrech. "The Apollo-era test stands have served us well over the last forty years, and I'm excited that NASA will have a new stand to help us accomplish these new goals."

The test stand, along with its control center, propellant barge docks and access roadways, will be built in Stennis A Complex.

For more on Ares I, Ares V and the Constellation Program, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/constellation

Source: NASA Press Release 07-103