Sept 10, 2009 ground test of the Ares I booster. From ATK Press Release: Successful Ground Test Paves the Way for the First Flight Test of Ares IX This Fall Sep 10, 2009 PROMONTORY, Utah, Sept. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — NASA and Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) made history today as they conducted the first test of the Ares I first stage five-segment development solid rocket motor, marking the first steps into a new era of space exploration. It is the most powerful and reliable solid rocket booster in the world, and is planned for NASA’s Ares I and Ares V rockets. The initial data showed the motor performed as designed, producing 3.6 million pounds of thrust and burning for over two minutes. The first stage motor for Ares I measures 12 feet in diameter and 154 feet in length. During the test sensors and gauges collected 650 channels of data to accomplish 46 test objectives. The data from this test will help validate how Ares I will perform in flight. “This test not only validates the design upgrades from the space shuttle program, it is a testament to how NASA and its contractor teams work together to ensure success,” said Mike Kahn, executive vice president, ATK Space Systems. “This dedicated and experienced team has sustained a rigorous and disciplined schedule to develop our next-generation crew launch vehicle – which remains within budget and on schedule – culminating four years of progress.” The Ares I first stage has been under development since 2005. Based on the …