The figurative canvas has come off, and now NASA knows what the preliminary design of the Ares I rocket will resemble, which is a major step toward building the nation's next generation launch vehicle. Starting in 2015, the Ares I rocket will launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle, including its crew of four to six astronauts, and small cargo payloads to the International Space Station. The rocket also will be used for missions to explore the moon and beyond in the coming decades.

The review, conducted at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, examined the current design for the Ares I launch vehicle. They determined whether the planned technical approach will meet NASA's requirements for the fully integrated vehicle ensuring that all components of the vehicle and supporting systems are designed to work together.

The preliminary design review included more than 1,100 reviewers from seven NASA field centers and multiple industry partners, and is the final step of this design process. Teams representing each major part of the Ares I rocket have conducted similar reviews during the past year. This process also identifies technical and management challenges, and addresses ways to reduce potential risks as the project goes forward.

"Risk assessment is a very important part of the process," said Steve Cook, manager of the Ares I rocket at Marshall. "It allows us to identify issues that might impact the Ares I rocket. For example, we identified thrust oscillation — vibration in the first stage — as a risk. In response to this issue, we formed an engineering team. The team conducted detailed analyses and reviewed previous test data, and then recommended options to correct the problem."

This week, the J-2X engine will be the first Ares I element to kick off the critical design review process. The engine will power the Ares I upper stage to orbit after separation from the first stage.

"We're excited about getting into full system engine tests with the new J-2X engine," Cook said. "This will be one of the safest, most affordable and highest performing rocket engines ever built, and testing is critical as we begin preparation for future flights."

NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston manages the Constellation Program, which includes the Ares I rocket, the Ares V vehicle, the Orion crew capsule and the Altair lunar lander. NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is responsible for ground and launch operations. The program also includes multiple project element teams at NASA centers and contract organizations around the U.S. For more information and updates visit this website.