Ares IAres spacecraft desk model. Ares I is the crew launch vehicle being developed by NASA as a component of the Constellation Program. The name "Ares" refers to the Greek deity Ares, who is identified with the Roman God Mars. Ares I was originally known as the "Crew Launch Vehicle" (CLV). NASA plans to use Ares I to launch Orion, the spacecraft being designed for NASA human spaceflight missions after the Space Shuttle is retired in 2010. Ares I is