June 30, 2006 – Reston, VA – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) congratulates NASA for its name selection of the new space transportation vehicles that will be critical in supporting space exploration. NASA today announced the names for the Crew Launch Vehicle and Cargo Launch Vehicle.
AIAA President Roger Simpson states, “ In selecting the names ‘Ares 1’ and ‘Ares 5,’ NASA has both paid homage to this nation’s triumphant past while recognizing the potential of the future of America’s space program. As NASA explained, ‘Ares’ is synonymous with Mars, which is the focus of the Space Exploration Vision, while the references to ‘1’ and ‘5’ reflect back on NASA’s first manned space missions, Saturn 1 and 5.”
It is expected that NASA will name the Crew Exploration Vehicle shortly.
Headquartered in suburban Washington, DC, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) serves over 35,000 aerospace professionals in 65 regional sections and 79 countries. AIAA membership is drawn from all levels of industry, academia, private research organizations, and government and focuses on emerging technologies in aviation, space and defense. For more information visit www.aiaa.org.
