Gregg - 1/7/2006 3:13 PM
I wish I could post the schedule, but I can not.
I think he miss-spoke, as even the local paper this morning is talking about a late 2009 test flight.
The 2009 test flight, a test and date that has yet to be officially approved, would involve a 4-segment SRB with a 5th dummy segment stacked on top of the other four segments, with the SRB topped by a dummy upper stage and payload. This flight would presumably test the new roll control system and overall aerodynamics, etc. The flight would most likely take place from Pad 39B, but Pad 40 is still under consideration. This would be the first of a series of unmanned Ares I test flights.
Horowitz or Hanley(sp?) or Steve Cook said the the first manned CEV flight would not occur until September 2014. Before that mission happens, unmanned test flights would test the new five-segment booster, the new J-2X power upper stage, and for the new CEV. The development schedule seems to be constrained by funding.
- Ed Kyle
Read what I posted.
It is the real schedule.
The first tests of the CEV launch escape system will likely take place at White Sands as stated.
Schedule calls for that to happen the last half of 2009.
The first test flight at KSC will be 4 segments, a dummy second stage, and a boiler plate CEV with a live CEV launch escape system.
The test flight will end with a mock abort at SRB burn out.
Thus it will be a high speed, high alitude test of the launch abort system.
Dig!
All of the above is public record!
No, there really is a schedule that is being worked to right now; that has the first test flight scheduled for late 2009, and the first maned flight in 2011.
Horowitz or Hanley(sp?) or Steve Cook said the the first manned CEV flight would not occur until September 2014.
Project Management padding? I wonder if the public is paying enough attention to remember Griffin's 2012 PUSH or even hear the 2014 date Friday evening. I'd sure like to know what the difference is here. As a fan, I've got "go" fever most days.
2014 is a few congressional elections away. That date is meaningless at the moment. Still, it's extremely lethargic. Funny to think we developed three manned vehicles within less then a decade.
We came close to doing that in the 90's too. Sticking with the stick at least gives them grounds for taking so long. "the booster people aren't ready" "the capsule people aren't ready" "the LES people aren't ready". If you liked the ISS you'll LOVE Project Constellation.
