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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A convoy of trucks passes a launch pad as it makes the journey from Port Canaveral, Fla., to the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  The trucks carry Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The Ares I-X test flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with the Ares I crew launch vehicle. It also will allow NASA to gather critical data during ascent of the integrated Orion crew exploration vehicle and the Ares I rocket. The data will ensure the entire vehicle system is safe and fully operational before astronauts begin traveling to orbit.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd3517

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A convoy of trucks passes a launch pad as it ma...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A convoy of trucks passes a launch pad as it makes the journey from Port Canaveral, Fla., to the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The tru... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   Trucks pull into the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  They carry Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments that arrived Nov. 4 at Port Canaveral, Fla., aboard the Delta Mariner. The upper stage simulators will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The Ares I-X test flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with the Ares I crew launch vehicle. It also will allow NASA to gather critical data during ascent of the integrated Orion crew exploration vehicle and the Ares I rocket. The data will ensure the entire vehicle system is safe and fully operational before astronauts begin traveling to orbit.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd3525

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Trucks pull into the Vehicle Assembly Buildin...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Trucks pull into the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. They carry Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments that arrived Nov. 4 at Port Ca... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Port Canaveral, Fla., one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments is offloaded from the Delta Mariner. The segment will be placed on a flatbed truck for transportation to the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The Ares I-X test flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with the Ares I crew launch vehicle. It also will allow NASA to gather critical data during ascent of the integrated Orion crew exploration vehicle and the Ares I rocket. The data will ensure the entire vehicle system is safe and fully operational before astronauts begin traveling to orbit.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd3507

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Port Canaveral, Fla., one of the Ares I-X up...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Port Canaveral, Fla., one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments is offloaded from the Delta Mariner. The segment will be placed on a flatbed truck for transportation to the Ve... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers secure the cranes that are being used to offload Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments onto the floor.  The segments arrived Nov. 4 at Port Canaveral, Fla., aboard the Delta Mariner. The upper simulator segments are moved inside where they will be offloaded.  The upper stage simulators will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The Ares I-X test flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with the Ares I crew launch vehicle. It also will allow NASA to gather critical data during ascent of the integrated Orion crew exploration vehicle and the Ares I rocket. The data will ensure the entire vehicle system is safe and fully operational before astronauts begin traveling to orbit.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd3532

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building's high ba...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers secure the cranes that are being used to offload Ares I-X upper stage simulator segme... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a worker begins adhering the final Ares I-X logo on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments.  The decal identifies the Ares I-X as a development test flight, which is targeted to launch in 2009. Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. Ares I may also use its 25-ton payload capacity to deliver resources and supplies to the International Space Station, or to "park" payloads in orbit for retrieval by other spacecraft bound for the moon or other destinations.    Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3816

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a worker begins adhering the final Ares I-X logo on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segm... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments bears the decal of the NASA insignia. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. Ares I may also use its 25-ton payload capacity to deliver resources and supplies to the International Space Station, or to "park" payloads in orbit for retrieval by other spacecraft bound for the moon or other destinations.    Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3819

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments bears the decal of the NASA insignia. The upper s... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –    Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments is offloaded from its transporter and placed on the floor. The segments arrived Nov. 4 at Port Canaveral, Fla., aboard the Delta Mariner.  The upper stage simulators will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The Ares I-X test flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with the Ares I crew launch vehicle. It also will allow NASA to gather critical data during ascent of the integrated Orion crew exploration vehicle and the Ares I rocket. The data will ensure the entire vehicle system is safe and fully operational before astronauts begin traveling to orbit.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd3527

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building's high ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments is offloaded from its transporter and pl... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments arrive at the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The Ares I-X test flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with the Ares I crew launch vehicle. It also will allow NASA to gather critical data during ascent of the integrated Orion crew exploration vehicle and the Ares I rocket. The data will ensure the entire vehicle system is safe and fully operational before astronauts begin traveling to orbit.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd3510

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments arrive ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments arrive at the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, these Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments have shed their protective blue shrink-wrapped covers used for shipping.  The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3564

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, these Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments have shed their protective blue shrink-wrapped co... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Port Canaveral, Fla., the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments are being offloaded from the Delta Mariner. The segments will be placed on a flatbed truck for transportation to the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The Ares I-X test flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with the Ares I crew launch vehicle. It also will allow NASA to gather critical data during ascent of the integrated Orion crew exploration vehicle and the Ares I rocket. The data will ensure the entire vehicle system is safe and fully operational before astronauts begin traveling to orbit.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd3506

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Port Canaveral, Fla., the Ares I-X upper sta...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Port Canaveral, Fla., the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments are being offloaded from the Delta Mariner. The segments will be placed on a flatbed truck for transportation to the V... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments arrive at the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The segments will be offloaded inside bay 4. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The Ares I-X test flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with the Ares I crew launch vehicle. It also will allow NASA to gather critical data during ascent of the integrated Orion crew exploration vehicle and the Ares I rocket. The data will ensure the entire vehicle system is safe and fully operational before astronauts begin traveling to orbit.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd3522

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments arrive ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments arrive at the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The segments will be offloaded inside bay 4. The up... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments are being offloaded onto the floor.  The segments arrived Nov. 4 at Port Canaveral, Fla., aboard the Delta Mariner. The upper simulator segments are moved inside where they will be offloaded.  The upper stage simulators will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The Ares I-X test flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with the Ares I crew launch vehicle. It also will allow NASA to gather critical data during ascent of the integrated Orion crew exploration vehicle and the Ares I rocket. The data will ensure the entire vehicle system is safe and fully operational before astronauts begin traveling to orbit.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd3531

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building's high ba...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments are being offloaded onto the floor. The segments arr... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  Trucks carrying the blue Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments are lined up outside the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  The segments will be offloaded inside bay 4. The upper stage simulators will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The Ares I-X test flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with the Ares I crew launch vehicle. It also will allow NASA to gather critical data during ascent of the integrated Orion crew exploration vehicle and the Ares I rocket. The data will ensure the entire vehicle system is safe and fully operational before astronauts begin traveling to orbit.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd3521

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Trucks carrying the blue Ares I-X upper stage ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Trucks carrying the blue Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments are lined up outside the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The segments ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers from NASA's Glenn Research Center remove the blue shrink-wrapped covers on these Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments.  The protective covers were used for shipping.  The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3567

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers from NASA's Glenn Research Center remove the blue shrink-wrapped covers on these Ares I... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lowers segment 5 of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments toward segment 4, at top of the tall stack below. The upper stage simulator comprises 11 segments, each approximately 18 feet in diameter, that will be used in the test flight known as Ares I-X in 2009.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line.  The upper stage accounts for nearly one-quarter of the total height of the Ares I.  It will take the Ares I on the second phase of its journey from Earth, providing the guidance, navigation and control needed for the second phase of the Ares I ascent flight.   Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3997

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Buildin...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lowers segment 5 of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments toward segment 4, at to... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  The Delta Mariner docks at Port Canaveral, Fla., with its cargo of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds.  Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd3492

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Delta Mariner docks at Port Canaveral, Fla...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Delta Mariner docks at Port Canaveral, Fla., with its cargo of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ar... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  The Delta Mariner is docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., with its cargo of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds.  Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd3496

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Delta Mariner is docked at Port Canaveral,...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Delta Mariner is docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., with its cargo of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified a... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  A convoy of trucks passes a launch pad as it makes the journey from Port Canaveral, Fla., to the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  The trucks carry Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The upper stage simulators will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The Ares I-X test flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with the Ares I crew launch vehicle. It also will allow NASA to gather critical data during ascent of the integrated Orion crew exploration vehicle and the Ares I rocket. The data will ensure the entire vehicle system is safe and fully operational before astronauts begin traveling to orbit.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd3516

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A convoy of trucks passes a launch pad as it m...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A convoy of trucks passes a launch pad as it makes the journey from Port Canaveral, Fla., to the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The tr... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments are lined up.  Their protective blue shrink-wrapped covers used for shipping are being removed, as seen on the segments at left and in the back. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3571

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments are lined up. Their protective blue shrink-wrapped cov... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments bears the decal of the U.S. flag.  The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. Ares I may also use its 25-ton payload capacity to deliver resources and supplies to the International Space Station, or to "park" payloads in orbit for retrieval by other spacecraft bound for the moon or other destinations.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd3807

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments bears the decal of the U.S. flag. The upper stag... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  The upper stage simulator segments are positioned across the floor of the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  Four of the segments are already stacked.  The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. Ares I may also use its 25-ton payload capacity to deliver resources and supplies to the International Space Station, or to "park" payloads in orbit for retrieval by other spacecraft bound for the moon or other destinations. The upper stage simulator comprises 11 segments, each approximately 18 feet in diameter.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd3932

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The upper stage simulator segments are positi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The upper stage simulator segments are positioned across the floor of the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Four of the segments are alr... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lifts segment 5 of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments.  It will be placed on segment 4, at top of the tall stack behind it. The upper stage simulator comprises 11 segments, each approximately 18 feet in diameter, that will be used in the test flight known as Ares I-X in 2009.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line.  The upper stage accounts for nearly one-quarter of the total height of the Ares I.  It will take the Ares I on the second phase of its journey from Earth, providing the guidance, navigation and control needed for the second phase of the Ares I ascent flight.   Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3994

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Buildin...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lifts segment 5 of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. It will be placed on s... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  On the bridge of the Delta Mariner, whose cargo is the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds.  Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd3493

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the bridge of the Delta Mariner, whose carg...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the bridge of the Delta Mariner, whose cargo is the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  Trucks carrying the blue Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments are lined up outside the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  The segments will be offloaded inside bay 4. The upper stage simulators will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The Ares I-X test flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with the Ares I crew launch vehicle. It also will allow NASA to gather critical data during ascent of the integrated Orion crew exploration vehicle and the Ares I rocket. The data will ensure the entire vehicle system is safe and fully operational before astronauts begin traveling to orbit.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd3520

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Trucks carrying the blue Ares I-X upper stage ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Trucks carrying the blue Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments are lined up outside the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The segments ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   Trucks head into the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  They carry Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments that arrived Nov. 4 at Port Canaveral, Fla., aboard the Delta Mariner. The upper stage simulators will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The Ares I-X test flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with the Ares I crew launch vehicle. It also will allow NASA to gather critical data during ascent of the integrated Orion crew exploration vehicle and the Ares I rocket. The data will ensure the entire vehicle system is safe and fully operational before astronauts begin traveling to orbit.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd3524

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Trucks head into the Vehicle Assembly Buildin...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Trucks head into the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. They carry Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments that arrived Nov. 4 at Port Ca... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an overhead view shows the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments.  The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. Ares I may also use its 25-ton payload capacity to deliver resources and supplies to the International Space Station, or to "park" payloads in orbit for retrieval by other spacecraft bound for the moon or other destinations.    Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3814

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an overhead view shows the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The upper stage simulator will... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida are the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments.  In front at left is segment 6.  Next to and behind it are the mated segments 3 (on top) and 2.  Other segments are on the floor around them. The upper stage simulator comprises 11 segments, each approximately 18 feet in diameter, that will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The test flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with the Ares I crew launch vehicle. The data will ensure the entire vehicle system is safe and fully operational before astronauts begin traveling to orbit.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd3914

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building's high b...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida are the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. In front at left is segment 6. Next to and... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lifts segment 5 of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments.  It will be placed on segment 4, at top of the tall stack behind it.The upper stage simulator comprises 11 segments, each approximately 18 feet in diameter, that will be used in the test flight known as Ares I-X in 2009.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line.  The upper stage accounts for nearly one-quarter of the total height of the Ares I.  It will take the Ares I on the second phase of its journey from Earth, providing the guidance, navigation and control needed for the second phase of the Ares I ascent flight.   Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3993

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Buildin...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lifts segment 5 of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. It will be placed on s... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  The Delta Mariner docks at Port Canaveral, Fla., with its cargo of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds.  Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd3491

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Delta Mariner docks at Port Canaveral, Fla...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Delta Mariner docks at Port Canaveral, Fla., with its cargo of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ar... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, these Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments have shed their protective blue shrink-wrapped covers used for shipping.  The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3565

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, these Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments have shed their protective blue shrink-wrapped co... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers begin adhering the NASA insignia on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-08pd3770

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers begin adhering the NASA insignia on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  The upper stage simulator segments are positioned across the floor of the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  Four of the segments are already stacked.  The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. Ares I may also use its 25-ton payload capacity to deliver resources and supplies to the International Space Station, or to "park" payloads in orbit for retrieval by other spacecraft bound for the moon or other destinations. The upper stage simulator comprises 11 segments, each approximately 18 feet in diameter.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd3931

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The upper stage simulator segments are positi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The upper stage simulator segments are positioned across the floor of the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Four of the segments are alr... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  The upper stage simulator segments are positioned across the floor of the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  Four of the segments are already stacked.  The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. Ares I may also use its 25-ton payload capacity to deliver resources and supplies to the International Space Station, or to "park" payloads in orbit for retrieval by other spacecraft bound for the moon or other destinations. The upper stage simulator comprises 11 segments, each approximately 18 feet in diameter.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd3933

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The upper stage simulator segments are positi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The upper stage simulator segments are positioned across the floor of the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Four of the segments are alr... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane is attached to segment 5 of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments to lift it.  Segment 5  will be stacked on to segment 4, at the top of the tall stack at right. The upper stage simulator comprises 11 segments, each approximately 18 feet in diameter, that will be used in the test flight known as Ares I-X in 2009.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line.  The upper stage accounts for nearly one-quarter of the total height of the Ares I.  It will take the Ares I on the second phase of its journey from Earth, providing the guidance, navigation and control needed for the second phase of the Ares I ascent flight.   Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3991

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Buildin...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane is attached to segment 5 of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments to lift it. Se... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lowers segment 5 of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments onto segment 4, at top of the tall stack below. The upper stage simulator comprises 11 segments, each approximately 18 feet in diameter, that will be used in the test flight known as Ares I-X in 2009.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line.  The upper stage accounts for nearly one-quarter of the total height of the Ares I.  It will take the Ares I on the second phase of its journey from Earth, providing the guidance, navigation and control needed for the second phase of the Ares I ascent flight.   Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3998

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Buildin...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lowers segment 5 of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments onto segment 4, at top ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  The Delta Mariner arrives at Port Canaveral, Fla., with its cargo of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments.  The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds.  Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd3489

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Delta Mariner arrives at Port Canaveral, F...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Delta Mariner arrives at Port Canaveral, Fla., with its cargo of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers from NASA's Glenn Research Center remove the blue shrink-wrapped covers on these Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments.  The protective covers were used for shipping.  The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3569

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers from NASA's Glenn Research Center remove the blue shrink-wrapped covers on these Ares I... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, these Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments have shed their protective blue shrink-wrapped covers used for shipping. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3570

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, these Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments have shed their protective blue shrink-wrapped c... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers begin adhering the NASA insignia on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments.  The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-08pd3769

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers begin adhering the NASA insignia on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. Th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers begin adhering the Constellation patch on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. Ares I may also use its 25-ton payload capacity to deliver resources and supplies to the International Space Station, or to "park" payloads in orbit for retrieval by other spacecraft bound for the moon or other destinations.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd3802

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers begin adhering the Constellation patch on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segment... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers adhere a decal of the U.S. flag on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. Ares I may also use its 25-ton payload capacity to deliver resources and supplies to the International Space Station, or to "park" payloads in orbit for retrieval by other spacecraft bound for the moon or other destinations.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd3805

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers adhere a decal of the U.S. flag on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  The Delta Mariner is docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., with its cargo of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments.  The cranes near the ship will be used to remove the segments and place them on a flatbed truck for transportation to the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds.  Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd3497

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Delta Mariner is docked at Port Canaveral,...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Delta Mariner is docked at Port Canaveral, Fla., with its cargo of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The cranes near the ship will be used to remove the segments and plac... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, two of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments are offloaded from its transporter and placed on the floor. The segments arrived Nov. 4 at Port Canaveral, Fla., aboard the Delta Mariner. The upper stage simulators will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The Ares I-X test flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with the Ares I crew launch vehicle. It also will allow NASA to gather critical data during ascent of the integrated Orion crew exploration vehicle and the Ares I rocket. The data will ensure the entire vehicle system is safe and fully operational before astronauts begin traveling to orbit.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd3529

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building's high ba...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, two of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments are offloaded from its transporter and pla... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments are being offloaded onto the floor.  The segments arrived Nov. 4 at Port Canaveral, Fla., aboard the Delta Mariner. The upper simulator segments are moved inside where they will be offloaded.  The upper stage simulators will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The Ares I-X test flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with the Ares I crew launch vehicle. It also will allow NASA to gather critical data during ascent of the integrated Orion crew exploration vehicle and the Ares I rocket. The data will ensure the entire vehicle system is safe and fully operational before astronauts begin traveling to orbit.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd3530

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building's high ba...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments are being offloaded onto the floor. The segments arr... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  A convoy of trucks passes a launch pad as it makes the journey from Port Canaveral, Fla., to the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  The trucks carry Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The upper stage simulators will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The Ares I-X test flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with the Ares I crew launch vehicle. It also will allow NASA to gather critical data during ascent of the integrated Orion crew exploration vehicle and the Ares I rocket. The data will ensure the entire vehicle system is safe and fully operational before astronauts begin traveling to orbit.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd3518

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A convoy of trucks passes a launch pad as it m...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A convoy of trucks passes a launch pad as it makes the journey from Port Canaveral, Fla., to the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The tr... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers from NASA's Glenn Research Center remove the blue shrink-wrapped covers on these Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments.  The protective covers were used for shipping. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3566

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers from NASA's Glenn Research Center remove the blue shrink-wrapped covers on these Ares I... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers begin adhering a decal of the U.S. flag on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. Ares I may also use its 25-ton payload capacity to deliver resources and supplies to the International Space Station, or to "park" payloads in orbit for retrieval by other spacecraft bound for the moon or other destinations.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd3804

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers begin adhering a decal of the U.S. flag on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segmen... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments bears the Constellation patch. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. Ares I may also use its 25-ton payload capacity to deliver resources and supplies to the International Space Station, or to "park" payloads in orbit for retrieval by other spacecraft bound for the moon or other destinations.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd3803

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments bears the Constellation patch. The upper stage ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  The upper stage simulator segments are positioned across the floor of the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  Four of the segments are already stacked.  The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. Ares I may also use its 25-ton payload capacity to deliver resources and supplies to the International Space Station, or to "park" payloads in orbit for retrieval by other spacecraft bound for the moon or other destinations. The upper stage simulator comprises 11 segments, each approximately 18 feet in diameter.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd3930

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The upper stage simulator segments are positi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The upper stage simulator segments are positioned across the floor of the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Four of the segments are alr... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  The Delta Mariner arrives at Port Canaveral, Fla., with its cargo of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments.  The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds.  Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd3488

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Delta Mariner arrives at Port Canaveral, F...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Delta Mariner arrives at Port Canaveral, Fla., with its cargo of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  A crane lifts and transfers Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments from the Delta Mariner at Port Canaveral, Fla., onto a flatbed truck.  They will be transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The Ares I-X test flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with the Ares I crew launch vehicle. It also will allow NASA to gather critical data during ascent of the integrated Orion crew exploration vehicle and the Ares I rocket. The data will ensure the entire vehicle system is safe and fully operational before astronauts begin traveling to orbit.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd3512

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A crane lifts and transfers Ares I-X upper sta...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A crane lifts and transfers Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments from the Delta Mariner at Port Canaveral, Fla., onto a flatbed truck. They will be transported to the Vehicle Assembl... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  At the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the blue Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments are moved inside where they will be offloaded.  The upper stage simulators will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The Ares I-X test flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with the Ares I crew launch vehicle. It also will allow NASA to gather critical data during ascent of the integrated Orion crew exploration vehicle and the Ares I rocket. The data will ensure the entire vehicle system is safe and fully operational before astronauts begin traveling to orbit.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd3523

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the blue Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments are moved inside where they will be offloaded. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers determine where to place the NASA insignia on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments.  The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-08pd3768

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers determine where to place the NASA insignia on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator seg... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers remove the final cover from the U.S. flag decal affixed to one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. Ares I may also use its 25-ton payload capacity to deliver resources and supplies to the International Space Station, or to "park" payloads in orbit for retrieval by other spacecraft bound for the moon or other destinations.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd3806

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers remove the final cover from the U.S. flag decal affixed to one of the Ares I-X upper stage... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers remove the transparent cover from the NASA insignia on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-08pd3772

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers remove the transparent cover from the NASA insignia on one of the Ares I-X upper stage sim... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers begin adhering the Constellation patch on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. Ares I may also use its 25-ton payload capacity to deliver resources and supplies to the International Space Station, or to "park" payloads in orbit for retrieval by other spacecraft bound for the moon or other destinations.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd3801

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers begin adhering the Constellation patch on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segment... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments bears the decal with the logo of the Constellation Program. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. Ares I may also use its 25-ton payload capacity to deliver resources and supplies to the International Space Station, or to "park" payloads in orbit for retrieval by other spacecraft bound for the moon or other destinations.    Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3818

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments bears the decal with the logo of the Constellatio... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lifts segment 5 of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments toward the tall stack behind it.  Segment 5 will be placed on segment 4, at top of the tall stack. The upper stage simulator comprises 11 segments, each approximately 18 feet in diameter, that will be used in the test flight known as Ares I-X in 2009.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line.  The upper stage accounts for nearly one-quarter of the total height of the Ares I.  It will take the Ares I on the second phase of its journey from Earth, providing the guidance, navigation and control needed for the second phase of the Ares I ascent flight.   Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3995

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lifts segment 5 of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments toward the tall stack beh... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  The Delta Mariner arrives at Port Canaveral, Fla., with its cargo of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments.  The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds.  Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd3490

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Delta Mariner arrives at Port Canaveral, F...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Delta Mariner arrives at Port Canaveral, Fla., with its cargo of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  A crane lifts and transfers Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments from the Delta Mariner at Port Canaveral, Fla., onto a flatbed truck.  They will be transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The Ares I-X test flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with the Ares I crew launch vehicle. It also will allow NASA to gather critical data during ascent of the integrated Orion crew exploration vehicle and the Ares I rocket. The data will ensure the entire vehicle system is safe and fully operational before astronauts begin traveling to orbit.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd3511

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A crane lifts and transfers Ares I-X upper sta...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A crane lifts and transfers Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments from the Delta Mariner at Port Canaveral, Fla., onto a flatbed truck. They will be transported to the Vehicle Assembl... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers secure the crane that will lift  one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments from its transporter.  The segments, which arrived Nov. 4 at Port Canaveral, Fla., aboard the Delta Mariner, will be placed on the floor. The upper simulator segments are moved inside where they will be offloaded.  The upper stage simulators will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The Ares I-X test flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with the Ares I crew launch vehicle. It also will allow NASA to gather critical data during ascent of the integrated Orion crew exploration vehicle and the Ares I rocket. The data will ensure the entire vehicle system is safe and fully operational before astronauts begin traveling to orbit.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd3528

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building's high b...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers secure the crane that will lift one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  A convoy of trucks arrives at the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  The trucks carry Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments which arrived at Port Canaveral, Fla., Nov. 4.  The upper stage simulators will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The Ares I-X test flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with the Ares I crew launch vehicle. It also will allow NASA to gather critical data during ascent of the integrated Orion crew exploration vehicle and the Ares I rocket. The data will ensure the entire vehicle system is safe and fully operational before astronauts begin traveling to orbit.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd3519

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A convoy of trucks arrives at the Vehicle Asse...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A convoy of trucks arrives at the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The trucks carry Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments which arrive... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments is offloaded from its transporter and placed on the floor. The segments arrived Nov. 4 at Port Canaveral, Fla., aboard the Delta Mariner.  The upper stage simulators will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The Ares I-X test flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with the Ares I crew launch vehicle. It also will allow NASA to gather critical data during ascent of the integrated Orion crew exploration vehicle and the Ares I rocket. The data will ensure the entire vehicle system is safe and fully operational before astronauts begin traveling to orbit.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd3526

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building's high b...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments is offloaded from its transporter and pla... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments are being offloaded from the Delta Mariner at Port Canaveral, Fla.  The segments will be placed on a flatbed truck for transportation to the Vehicle Assembly Building's high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The Ares I-X test flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with the Ares I crew launch vehicle. It also will allow NASA to gather critical data during ascent of the integrated Orion crew exploration vehicle and the Ares I rocket. The data will ensure the entire vehicle system is safe and fully operational before astronauts begin traveling to orbit.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd3504

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments are...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments are being offloaded from the Delta Mariner at Port Canaveral, Fla. The segments will be placed on a flatbed truck for transportation to the Ve... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers from NASA's Glenn Research Center remove the blue shrink-wrapped covers on these Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments.  The protective covers were used for shipping.  The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  The segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet.  The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter.  Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3568

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers from NASA's Glenn Research Center remove the blue shrink-wrapped covers on these Ares I... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers adhere the bottom half of the NASA insignia on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-08pd3771

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers adhere the bottom half of the NASA insignia on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator se... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –    In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments bears the NASA insignia.  The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009.  Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-08pd3773

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments bears the NASA insignia. The upper stage simu... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a worker removes the last piece of cover from the final Ares I-X logo on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments.  The decal identifies the Ares I-X as a development test flight, which is targeted to launch in 2009. Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. Ares I may also use its 25-ton payload capacity to deliver resources and supplies to the International Space Station, or to "park" payloads in orbit for retrieval by other spacecraft bound for the moon or other destinations.    Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3817

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a worker removes the last piece of cover from the final Ares I-X logo on one of the Ares I-X upper s... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a worker begins adhering the final Ares I-X logo on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments.  The decal identifies the Ares I-X as a development test flight, which is targeted to launch in 2009.  Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. Ares I may also use its 25-ton payload capacity to deliver resources and supplies to the International Space Station, or to "park" payloads in orbit for retrieval by other spacecraft bound for the moon or other destinations.    Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3815

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a worker begins adhering the final Ares I-X logo on one of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segme... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane is attached to segment 5 of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments to lift it.  Segment 5 will be stacked on to segment 4, at the top of the tall stack at right.The upper stage simulator comprises 11 segments, each approximately 18 feet in diameter, that will be used in the test flight known as Ares I-X in 2009.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line.  The upper stage accounts for nearly one-quarter of the total height of the Ares I.  It will take the Ares I on the second phase of its journey from Earth, providing the guidance, navigation and control needed for the second phase of the Ares I ascent flight.   Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3990

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Buildin...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane is attached to segment 5 of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments to lift it. Se... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane moves segment 5 of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments toward the tall stack behind it.  Segment 5 will be placed on segment 4, at top of the tall stack.  The upper stage simulator comprises 11 segments, each approximately 18 feet in diameter, that will be used in the test flight known as Ares I-X in 2009.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line.  The upper stage accounts for nearly one-quarter of the total height of the Ares I.  It will take the Ares I on the second phase of its journey from Earth, providing the guidance, navigation and control needed for the second phase of the Ares I ascent flight.   Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3996

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane moves segment 5 of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments toward the tall stack beh... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --   In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lifts segment 5 of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments.  It will be placed on segment 4, at top of the tall stack behind it. The upper stage simulator comprises 11 segments, each approximately 18 feet in diameter, that will be used in the test flight known as Ares I-X in 2009.  The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line.  The upper stage accounts for nearly one-quarter of the total height of the Ares I.  It will take the Ares I on the second phase of its journey from Earth, providing the guidance, navigation and control needed for the second phase of the Ares I ascent flight.   Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3992

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Buildi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lifts segment 5 of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. It will be placed on ... More