Ares I First Stage Motor Unveiled

177644-03 -- All systems are go for the first test of the Ares I rocket's first-stage development motor, or DM-1, set for Aug. 27. The five-segment solid rocket motor is capable of producing 22 million horsepower, equivalent to the energy produced by 25,882 race cars. Data will be collected during the test from 650 sensors to evaluate the motor's performance. This test and those that follow will provide engineers with valuable information as they develop the safest and most reliable motor possible for NASA's next generation rocket. DM-1 is managed by the Ares Projects at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. The stationary test firing will be conducted by ATK Space Systems, a division of Alliant Techsystems of Brigham City, Utah, the prime contractor for the Ares I first stage.

Image credit: ATK