One Spectacular Big Bang(Pic of Ares Rocket Breaking Sound Barrier, Very Cool!)

Gizmodo.com ^ | 10/29/09 | AP

[Reaganesque]

Wonder at the impressive technological prowess of the genius engineers at NASA, as brave Ares launches. Be amazed at the sheer beauty of the mighty rocket as it it breaks the sound barrier, thundering the skies of this glorious nation.

OK, so it looks like a flying condom.

[Reaganesque]

Impressive pic! There's video at the link as well.

[Paladin2]

I saw a smaller version of this pic earlier. Thnx for posting a larger image.

[devane617]

I watched it liftoff yesterday—on TV—and it was impressive. However, it looked odd at liftoff. Something appeared odd, and I can say exactly what. Slow, cumbersome, at an odd angle immediately after ignition...

[edcoil]

I must be missing how “great” this is suppose to be - I don’t see any difference between this launch and any other except the shuttle was not attached.

The video notes total “new rocket concepts” but it looks like launches from the 1960’s

[Kakaze]

I saw that too, I thought for a fraction of a second it leaned south, ( or to the right per my video angle)then corrected itself.

[Habibi]

“at an odd angle immediately after ignition...”

Yeah, I noticed that also. It seemed like it tipped slightly to the right. Maybe that’s what it was supposed to do. I put it down to its prototype status. Sometimes things are done on the test beds that would never be done with a “production” launch. Booster shut down at a little over 100k’. Interesting separation. :-)

[Spirochete]

This was the small Ares I-X. The Ares V will be colossal, slightly larger than the Saturn V moon rocket.

[Errant]

Have to agree with you. A really big solid fuel bottle rocket built using extra sections from space shuttle boosters is what I saw.

As for the design of the thig, what self respecting Space Voyager would want to ride a super sized condom? Maybe it appealed to Obams?

[D521646]

The rocket can carry almost twice the weight of previosu rockets.. Almost 72 tons to be exact.

D-

[TexasCajun]

This new rocket design is to be incorporated into the next generation shuttle or space-plane?

...or just for satellite launches?

[joesjane]

Sweet, now lets put a nuke on the cone and point it toward Iran.

[Moonman62]

I watched it liftoff yesterday—on TV—and it was impressive. However, it looked odd at liftoff. Something appeared odd, and I can say exactly what. Slow, cumbersome, at an odd angle immediately after ignition...

I read somewhere that it was a programmed maneuver to avoid damage to the launch pad.

[devane617]

At least someone else noticed the rightward lean at ignition. I thought it was so pronounced that it had a chance of the tail section hitting the launch gantry. I guess they planned for such a low trajectory that maybe the roll-program had to start at liftoff.

[devane617]

See #13....Your reply makes total sense.

[Moonman62]

While the rocket probably was supersonic, the effect is caused by the compression of humid air. I’ve seen the same thing from fighter jets flying well under the speed of sound.

[bsf2009]

It will send a manned capsule into Earth orbit.

[MinuteGal]

"Ares" is the Greek god of War.

I wonder if the Nobel Peace Prize winner approved that name.

Leni

[A.A. Cunningham]

Caption: Ares I-X. Credit: NASA/Scott Andrews

[Reaganesque]

I believe its for sattelites and the new command module/lunar lander missions.

[Habibi]

“The Ares V will be colossal, slightly larger than the Saturn V moon rocket.”

Will it lift more than the Saturn? It would be nice to have a heavy lift vehicle in the inventory again.