Ares I is the first launch vehicle in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Constellation family of space vehicles that will transport astronauts and cargo to the International Space Station, the moon and beyond during coming decades.

The igniter performed as expected during the test, generating a flame nearly 200 feet in length, NASA said. The Ares I igniter is an enhanced version of the igniter used in the space shuttle's solid rocket boosters.

"The new igniter is approximately 18 inches in diameter and 36 inches long." NASA said. "It is a small, high-burn-rate solid rocket motor that is secured in the forward segment of a five-segment booster.

Once the command is sent to the igniter, a sequence begins that sends a flame down the core of the 142-foot solid rocket motor.

In less than a second, the booster generates more than 3.5 million pounds of thrust, triggering liftoff of the rocket."

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Brussels (UPI) Jan 26, 2009
French arms exports soared by almost 15 percent in 2008, the French government announced earlier this month. France hopes to further boost its international arms exports by finally creating overseas demand for its long-criticized Rafale fighter jet, manufactured by Dassault.