Posted: Thu, Sep 11, 2008, 7:14 AM ET (1114 GMT)
Ares 1, the rocket that will be used to launch the Orion spacecraft starting next decade, passed its preliminary design review (PDR) on Wednesday, a key milestone in its development. The PDR, which involved over 1,000 people at seven NASA centers and in industry, approved the planned technical approach for the vehicle. While Ares 1 components will now proceed into detailed design work that will lead up to a critical design review, one follow-up "delta" review is planned for next summer to confirm the planned approach for dealing with the thrust oscillation issue previously identified with the vehicle. The Ares 1 is scheduled to enter service in 2015.

Related Links:

•  Florida Today article
•  AP article
•  Reuters article
•  NASA press release