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Constellation Program

Constellation was intended to restore U.S. lunar missions after the Space Shuttle through Orion, the Ares launchers, and the Altair lunar lander.

AgencyNational Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Schéma NASA ukazuje architekturu programu Constellation: loď Orion, nosiče Ares a lunární přistávací modul. REAL PHOTOGRAPH · NASA / Wikimedia Commons
Fig. 1 — Schéma NASA ukazuje architekturu programu Constellation: loď Orion, nosiče Ares a lunární přistávací modul.

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updated · 31 Aug 2026

NASA began Constellation in 2005 as an architecture for low-Earth-orbit missions, a return of people to the Moon, and preparation for further exploration. It combined Orion, the Ares launcher family, and the Altair lander concept.

The programme ended in 2010 after available funding proved insufficient for its original goals. Orion development continued and Space Launch System replaced Ares, making Constellation part of Artemis’ development lineage rather than a dead end.

KEY FACTS
  • The architecture included Orion, Ares I, Ares V, and the Altair lander concept.
  • Ares I-X made a test flight in October 2009.

CONTEXT

Period2005–2010
Statusnot realised

RELATED ARTICLES

2 linked entries · click for detail
SOURCES & FURTHER READINGlast verified · 31 August 2026
◉ NASA photography — public domain✦ AI illustration — marked, generated from sourcesarticle text — CC-BY-SA

Picture index

open image · 2