NASA Launches Ares I-X Test Flight

Categories: Current Events | Science & Technology News

    • NASA successfully launced the Ares I-X rocket on October 28, 2009, at 11:30 a.m. EDT.http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/ares/flighttests/aresIx/index.html
    • At T+2 minute, the upper stage simulator and first stage separate at a hight of approximately 130,000 feet. The first stage will perform a controlled landing using parashutes, allowing recovery by one of NASA's booster recovery ships, while the other ship tracks the upper stage.
    • Video was cut off after 2nd stage separation, but eye witnesses reported the test appeared to have been successful (via Twitter).
    • The launch was previously planned at October 27, but due to bad weather during the time window from 8 a.m and noon, the launch was canceled.
    • The test flight consisted of a two-minute flight, and launched a 327 feet (100 meters) high rocket, which will be the basis for the new spacecraft Ares Orion. Ares Orion is due to replace the Space Shuttle, which will be taken out of rotation in 2010.http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/ares/flighttests/aresIx/index.htmlhttp://www.space.com/missionlaunches/091025-ares1x-viewing-details.html
    • Countdown resumed at 01:00 a.m. EDT, and the launch window is again set from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00. NASA expected a 40% chance on a 'GO' during the time window. At 7:40 EDT T-4 status was reached, and countdown is stopped for at least 20 minutes. NASA is now awaiting weather clearance to resume final countdown. http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/ares/flighttests/aresIx/index.html
    • Launch was hindered on October 27 due to stormy weather, a cargo ship entering the launch area, and "a stuck probe cover" which hindered the launch in the early hours.http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/ares/flighttests/aresIx/index.html

  • The four-hour window

    NASA explained in its blog why they only reserve a four-hour launch window per day, as the Ares doesn't have to meet up with ISS.

    • Dan Kanigan of NASA explains this is due to the fact that Ares count-down can be reset pretty quickly, and therefore, four hours would normally suffice to adjust to weather conditions. Further, a four-hour launch window means operators need to be present 11 hours in advance, meaning a working hour of at least 15 hours, not even including work after launch or scrub. As a third reason he explains that weather conditions normally worsen as wind speeds pick up.http://blogs.nasa.gov/cm/blog/Ares%20I-X/posts/post_1256735155402.html

  • History

    The Ares I-X is part of the Ares I program, which is planned to provide the launch platform for human spaceflight, which in itself is part of NASA's Constellation Program, combined with Ares I, Orion, Ares V, and the Altair lunar lander.http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/354470main_aresIX_fs_may09.pdfhttp://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/main/index.html The Constellation Program is expected to replace the Space Shuttle, which will be taken out of roulation in 2010. The Space Shuttle, the Columbia, was first launched on April 12, 1981. There have been five Space Shuttles in use, of which Atlantis, Discovery and Endeavour are currently still operational. http://www.century-of-flight.net/Aviation%20history/space/Space%20Shuttle%20history.htm

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