NASA Sets Target Date for Ares I-X Rocket's Test Launch
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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA is targeting Tuesday, Oct. 27, for the
flight test of the Ares I-X rocket, pending successful testing and
data verification. Senior managers made the decision after a meeting
Monday at NASA Headquarters in Washington.
The Oct. 27 target date has been confirmed with the Air Force's
Eastern Range. The launch window will extend from 8 a.m. to noon EDT.
There is another launch opportunity on Oct. 28. The date will be
finalized at a Flight Test Readiness Review scheduled for Oct. 23 at
NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Technicians at Kennedy have completed the stacking, or assembly, of
the rocket on a mobile launch platform. This week, Ares I-X team
members are conducting a launch countdown simulation and conducting
final checks of the rocket's systems. The checks will begin with the
launch abort system simulator atop the rocket and continue down to
its aft skirt. The rocket is targeted to roll out to Kennedy's Launch
Pad 39B on Oct. 19.
The launch will provide NASA with an opportunity to test and prove
hardware, facilities and ground operations, while gathering critical
data for the Ares I rocket and future launch vehicles. To follow Ares
I-X processing on Twitter, visit:
http://www.twitter.com/NASA_
For more information about Ares I-X and NASA's next-generation
spacecraft, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/ares
