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About This File
The Ares V (formerly known as the Cargo Launch Vehicle or CaLV) is the cargo launch
component of Project Constellation. Ares V will launch the Earth Departure Stage and Altair
lunar lander when NASA returns to the Moon, which is currently planned for 2019.[2] The
Ares V will complement the Ares I, which is being designed as a crew launch vehicle. The
Ares designs were selected for their anticipated overall safety, reliability and cost-
effectiveness.[3]
The Ares V will be able to carry about 188 tonnes (414,000 lb) to Low Earth orbit (LEO),
and 71 tonnes (157,000 lb) to the Moon.[1] Upon completion the Ares V will be the most
powerful rocket ever built, lifting more into orbit than even the Saturn V.[4] Ares V, Ares
IV, and Ares I are named after Ares, the Greek god, which is the equivalent to the Roman
god Mars.
