NASA crew launch vehicle flight test options

Options for development flight testing (DFT) of the Ares I crew launch vehicle (CLV) are discussed. The Ares I CLV is being developed by the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to launch the crew exploration vehicle (CEV) into low Earth orbit (LEO). The Ares I implements one of the components of the vision for space exploration (VSE), providing crew and cargo access to the International Space Station (ISS) after retirement of the space shuttle and, eventually, forming part of the launch capability needed for lunar exploration. The role of DFT is to demonstrate key subsystems, address key technical risks, and provide flight data to validate engineering models in representative flight environments. This is distinguished from certification flight testing, which is designed to formally validate system functionality and achieve flight readiness. Lessons learned from Saturn V, space shuttle, and other flight programs are examined along with key Ares I technical risks in order to provide insight into possible DFT strategies. A strategy for the first test flight of the Ares I, known as Ares I-1, is presented.