NASA Delays Key Design Review for Ares 1 Launch Vehicle by 6 Months

According to NASA Exploration Systems Mission Directorate Public Affairs at NASA Headquarters:

“the Ares I first stage PDR has been moved to late summer or early fall of 2008 in order to better synchronize first stage activities with those at the vehicle system level and Constellation Program schedules, but this change is not expected to affect any test flight dates.”

This new date represents a delay of approximately 6 months from NASA’s original plans. The charts below show the current status of the Ares 1 design and related review activities.

Ares Reference Configuration A-103 Rev A – Current Design of the Ares 1 launch vehicle
(click on image to enlarge)

Schedule for upcoming Orion and Ares I design activities (click on image to enlarge)