Ares-1 (SDLV-CLV)

Ares-1-X [NASA]

Ares-1 (artist impression) [NASA]

The Ares-1 Crew Launch vehicle (CLV) is a rocket made up of a single Space Shuttle five-segment solid rocket booster, with a second stage powered by a J-2X on top. An escape rocket on top of the capsule could quickly blast the crew away from the rocket if a problem developed during launch. The first stage will be reusable. The Ares-1 will be used to put crewed Orion (CEV) space capsules in orbit for missions to the ISS as well as for rendez-vous with the lunar lander and escape stage launched by the heavy cargo launch vehicle. The Ares-1 will deliver the Orion on a non-stable orbit, which reaches back into the atmosphere and will rely on the payload's AJ10-190 propulsion system for circularising into a stable orbit, making the Orion service module effectively the third stage of the launch vehicle.

NASA announced in December 2005 that Alliant Techsystems will become the prime contractor to design, develop, test, and evaluate the first Stage propulsion system for its next-generation Ares-1. The scope of work adds substantially to that performed by ATK on the Space Shuttle program. ATK was selected, as it was the sole provider, which possesses the facilities, manufacturing capability, and engineering and manufacturing workforce to successfully manufacture the Ares-1 first stage as a single prime contractor.

Boeing has been selected in 2007 as the contractor for the second stage.

A test mission called Ares-1-X was flown in October 2009 using a modified four segment Shuttle SRB and upper stage mock-up.

In February 2010, the development was cancelled.