NASA Constellation Alliant Ares V Launch Vehicle Rocket Model Spacecraft The Ares V was the planned cargo launch component of the NASA Constellation program, which was to have replaced the Space Shuttle after its retirement in 2011. Initially, the Ares V would have launched the Earth Departure Stage and Altair lunar lander had NASA returned to the Moon, which was planned for 2019, but would also have served as the principal launcher for missions beyond the Earth-Moon system, including the program's ultimate goal, a manned mission to Mars after 2030.
The unmanned Ares V would complement the smaller, and human-rated Ares I rocket for the launching of the 4?Çô6 person Orion spacecraft. Both rockets, deemed safer than the current Space Shuttle, would have utilized technologies developed for the Apollo program, the Shuttle, and the Delta IV EELV programs. However, the Constellation program, including Ares V and Ares I was cancelled in October 2010. This handcrafted model is painstakingly built by our skilled craftsmen with a wealth of detail and makes a great gift for any space buff or history fan.
