NASA is pressing ahead with testing for the first stage of the Ares I crew launch vehicle despite ongoing budget concerns. Milestones include ensuring the avionics can withstand shock loads from the 12 pyrotechnic events during the booster's launch.
NASA also plans to restage a drop test of the parachute recovery system for the first stage, after the February failure of a prototype pilot parachute. Tests of the main parachute are planned for June.
A decision is also expected this month on whether the weight of the first-stage forward structure can be reduced using composite materials or if it will be made of aluminium for performance reasons.
The impact of $545 million of Congressional cuts in NASA's 2007 budget on development of the Ares 1 first stage has yet to be determined, but could result in missing the April 2009 target for the Ares 1 flight test.
Source: Flight International