NASA is currently ground testing what amounts to an ejection seat for its next generation rockets. The ARES 1 is slated to replace the space shuttle (as part of NASA’s Constellation program) when it retires in 2010. Along with many other improvements, one of the biggest changes that they plan to implement is the ability for the passenger capsule (Orion) to separate itself from the ARES rocket in case of an emergency.

The device responsible for this task is a motor that when actuated, would pull the capsule away from the rocket. This would act as a contingency in case of catastrophic failure on the launch pad or during take off.

All of this, along with Earth Departure Stage (a propulsion system) and Altair (a Lunar Lander) will make up the bedrock of what will become the re-envisioned space program that plans on taking us back to the Moon in the middle part of the next decade.

With flames reaching as high as 114 feet and the power of 2 747s behind it, safety is the biggest concern. Initial data from the motor has been promising, but there is still a lot of testing to do before it’s ready for primetime.

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