TOPIC · National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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)
◉ REAL PHOTOGRAPH · NASA / Wikimedia CommonsFig. 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 detailSOURCES & FURTHER READINGlast verified · 31 August 2026
◉ NASA photography — public domain✦ AI illustration — marked, generated from sourcesarticle text — CC-BY-SA
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