NASA added an Engine to Ares V

Ares V or the Cargo Launch Vehicle (CaLV) a heavy launch two-stage rocket capable of sending large-scale hardware to the moon and supply needed staples to sustain a human presence beyond the Earth Orbit. NASA is planning to launch Ares V year 2019 when they return to the Moon.

Now, NASA is planning to add some engines to the said rocket. This is to increase the length of the shuttle-derived solid rocket for the rocket to accommodate larger hydrogen tank.

The previous Ares V has five RS-68s and a twin five-segment boosters, now, if they be able to add the said engine Ares V will be using six Pratt & Whitney to power its core stage and twin five-and-a-half segment versions of the four-segment ATK shuttle solid boosters.

According to Aerospace Daily the that configuration was "a couple of tons short" of the throw weight needed to get the planned Altair lunar lander and an Orion crew exploration vehicle to the moon, so the agency's exploration launch vehicles office at Marshall Space Flight Center has been considering higher-powered options.

The said upgrade was settled during the three-day Lunar Capability Concept Review (LCCR).

"We confirmed that Constellation's conceptual designs for both Ares V and Altair will enable us to land astronauts and cargo anywhere on the moon and to build an outpost supporting widespread exploration of the lunar surface," said Constellation Program Manager Jeff Hanley. "This extensive review proves we are ready for the next phase: taking these concepts and moving forward to establish mature requirements."

More information about this on Aviation Week.