NASA's Ares 1-X Rocket Launch Rescheduled
Historic Flight from Kennedy Space Center Moved to Wednesday
Oct 27, 2009
Aiming skyward, the latest rocket developed and built in America remains in its static state. The original plan was to complete the test launch of the Ares 1-X rocket and its system on the morning of October 27, 2009. The safe window was determined to be between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. From Launch Pad 39B, the Ares 1-X would complete a series of test with multiple sensors in tow.
The Importance of the Test Flight
The scheduled flight of Ares 1-X served many purposes. The planned take off and return trip, while brief, would foremost prove the new design of the Ares rocket. Issues like torque and the recovery systems would also be studied in depth.
A successful flight would culminate in the recovery of the rocket’s sensors. The upper sections of the rocket would not be operational during this test flight and only serve the purpose of matching the weight of future mission components such as vehicles and crew. The booster rockets on the lower section would provide the necessary information for NASA to schedule future launches into space.
Fighting Against the Weather
Starting from the initial launch time of 8 a.m., the Ares rocket began its losing battle with Mother Nature. A potentially dangerous cloud cover and high winds could spell disaster for the Ares rocket if launched.
Throughout the morning, the Kennedy Space Center staff continued to look skyward for possible openings for the launch. The four hour safety window proved insufficient to deal with the forces of nature. Ultimately, the launch was rescheduled for the morning of October 28, 2009.
The Importance of Ares 1-X
Ares 1-X is a newly designed rocket that will replace and revitalize the NASA Space Program. Additional future launches are planned to test an operational second stage. Also, safety launches will be completed with unmanned spacecraft placed in low Earth orbits before scheduling a manned launch to space.
Ares 1-X is a combination of old and new. Recycled parts from current space shuttles will supply the needed components at low costs. New technology was put into the design of the rocket to minimize the cost of future launches and increase safety for the crew.
On October 28, 2009, NASA will once again turn its gaze to the sky. Some of the weather concerns should clear making a successful test flight possible. With a little luck, Wednesday could be an historic restart of American space travel.
If interested in NASA’s new rocket, additional information can be found on the link: Ares 1-X.
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