
NASA Engineers tested the rocket slated to carry astronauts to the moon in the near future. It is currently the largest rocket in the world. Borrowing from other existing rockets, "Four first-stage, solid-fuel booster segments are derived from the Space Shuttle Program. A simulated fifth booster segment contains Atlas-V-based avionics, and the rocket's roll control system comes from the Peacekeeper missile. The launch abort system, simulated crew and service modules, upper stage, and various connecting structures all are original. " This process makes new rockets cheaper and faster than designing entirely new rockets.
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/ares/flighttests/aresIx/building_original.html
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