Portal:Spaceflight/Selected article/Week 49 2007

The Ares V (formerly known as the Cargo Launch Vehicle or CaLV) is the cargo launch component of Project Constellation. Ares V will launch the Earth Departure Stage and Lunar Surface Access Module when NASA returns to the Moon, which is currently planned for 2019. The Ares V will complement the Ares I, which is being designed as a crew launch vehicle. The Ares V will be able to carry about 130 metric tons (287,000 lb) to Low Earth orbit (LEO) and 65 metric tons (143,300 lb) to the Moon. Ares V and I are named after Ares, the Greek deity. (more...)