What To Do About Ares 1

Reinventing NASA’s Rocket Reputation, Aviation Week
“Among the more significant challenges the Augustine panel faces is the fate of the Ares 1 launcher. As has been the case with every previous human-rated launch vehicle, Ares 1 has encountered serious performance issues and stability concerns during its development. Critics have been particularly vocal in calling for its replacement with different vehicles, ranging from new designs to versions of the existing expendable fleet. If Augustine’s review confirms NASA’s current course, the challenge will be for the critics to close ranks and cease their sniping. But if the panel recommends replacement with another launch system, a more complex problem awaits.”