Aries is an American sounding rocket and target rocket, developed by Space Vector Corporation from retired LGM-30 Minuteman I intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) stages for use by the United States Air Force and NASA.

Taken over by Orbital Sciences Corporation, Aries, as the Target Test Vehicle, remains in use.

[2] Aries consisted of an Aerojet M56 solid-fuel rocket, the second stage of the Minuteman I, fitted with an aerodynamic nose cone and four tail fins, taken from the RIM-8 Talos surface-to-air missile, for stabilization.

[3] Payloads of 820 kilograms (1,810 lb) could be lifted to apogees of over 320 kilometres (200 mi) by Aries; the maximum payload capable of being carried was 1,590 kilograms (3,510 lb), and an apogee of 512 kilometres (318 mi) was achieved on one flight.

[1] The first launch of Aries, carrying a dummy payload, took place on 17 October 1973; following the first two test launches, the Talos stabilizing fins were replaced by a fins of a new design, and the skirt surrounding the rocket engine nozzles was modified.