http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/ares/flighttests/aresIx/index.html en-us
"I can't say enough about this team," said Doug Cooke, associate administrator for the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "They've been together probably a little over three years now, and they went from a concept to flying this vehicle in that period of time, which is the first time this has been done by a human spaceflight team in a long time."

Referring to the weather, which was the only issue of the day, Constellation Program Manager Jeff Hanley said, "We were ready when Mother Nature was ready, and we took our opportunity and what a great outcome. We're very proud of the result."

"It was a spectacular day," said Bob Ess, Ares I-X mission manager. "The vehicle flew even better than we expected."

"It is just a fantastic day," said Launch Director Ed Mango. "The team really excelled. I can't say enough about the folks who worked together to go make this thing happen. It was a great team, and as you can tell, it was a great vehicle."

NASA's Ares I-X test rocket lifted off at 11:30 a.m. EDT Wednesday from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida for a two-minute powered flight. The flight test lasted about six minutes from its launch from the newly modified Launch Pad 39B until splashdown of the rocket's booster stage nearly 150 miles downrange.]]> Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:18:57 GMT
"This is a huge step forward for NASA's exploration goals," said Doug Cooke, associate administrator for the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "Ares I-X provides NASA with an enormous amount of data that will be used to improve the design and safety of the next generation of American spaceflight vehicles -- vehicles that could again take humans beyond low Earth orbit."

The 327-foot tall Ares I-X test vehicle produced 2.6 million pounds of thrust to accelerate the rocket to nearly 3 g's and Mach 4.76, just shy of hypersonic speed. It capped its easterly flight at a suborbital altitude of 150,000 feet after the separation of its first stage, a four-segment solid rocket booster.

Parachutes deployed for recovery of the booster and the solid rocket motor will be recovered at sea for later inspection. The simulated upper stage and Orion crew module, and launch abort system will not be recovered.]]> Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:28:13 GMT
The mission will last two minutes, during which constant data received from the rocket.

At about the T+2 minute point in the flight, the upper stage simulator and first stage will separate at approximately 130,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean. The unpowered simulator will splash down in the ocean. The first stage will be fired for a controlled ocean landing with parachutes that will allow recovery by one of NASA's booster recovery ships, while the other ship tracks the upper stage.]]> Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:30:38 GMT
At the T-28 second point, the auxiliary power units will start. At the T-0 mark, the explosive bolts holding the massive rocket to the pad will be blown, and the Ares I-X will begin its ascent with a maneuver to steer its path away from the launch tower to minimize pad damage.

Just moments now until liftoff of Ares I-X!]]> Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:26:09 GMT Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:11:30 GMT Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:03:42 GMT Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:54:27 GMT Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:58:05 GMT
In addition to weather verification, during this built-in hold the Launch Authority Team is polled for a "go" or "no-go" for liftoff, and the launch test director conducts the final launch status verification. At this point, weather is the only issue standing in the way of liftoff.]]> Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:12:32 GMT
During the hold, the launch team will receive weather verification, the Launch Authority Team will be polled for a "go" or "no-go" for launch, and the launch test director will conduct the final launch status verification.]]> Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:00:42 GMT
During the hold, the launch team will receive weather verification, the Launch Authority Team will be polled for a "go" or "no-go" for launch, and the launch test director will conduct the final launch status verification.

Just as during yesterday's countdown, weather remains the issue of the day.]]> Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:41:09 GMT
The team will count down to the only built-in hold in the Ares I-X countdown, coming at the T-4 minute mark. This hold will last for 20 minutes. The launch window for today extends from 8 a.m. EDT until noon, with the current best estimate of liftoff coming between 9 and 9:15 a.m.]]> Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:35:25 GMT
The team will count down to the only built-in hold in the Ares I-X countdown, coming at the T-4 minute mark. This hold will last for 20 minutes. The launch window for today extends from 8 a.m. EDT until noon, with the current best estimate of liftoff coming between 9 and 9:15 a.m.

Weather remains a big player in today's countdown. The team will be keeping an eye on the issues of high clouds and precipitation, and another weather balloon was just released.]]> Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:09:22 GMT
Weather remains a big player in today's countdown. The team will be keeping an eye on the issues of high clouds and precipitation. Overnight, weather moved through the area producing rain and lightning. There were 154 strikes within a five-mile radius of the launch pad with none closer than .3 miles. Vehicle testing is running concurrently with the count to ensure there are no issues as a result.

The team will count down to the only built-in hold in the Ares I-X countdown, coming at the T-4 minute mark. This hold will last for 20 minutes. The launch window for today extends from 8 a.m. EDT until noon. At present, it does not appear that liftoff will come at the opening of the window.]]> Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:47:16 GMT
Just as yesterday, the weather will be the question of the day. The forecast is for 60 percent "no-go" once again. Overnight, weather moved through the area producing rain and lightning. There were four strikes near the launch pad, and vehicle testing is running concurrently with the count to ensure there are no issues as a result. So far, all results are good. The closest strike was .44 miles away from the pad.

Follow live Web coverage of the countdown on NASA's Launch Blog at http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/ares/flighttests/aresIx/launch_blog.html and streaming NASA TV at http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html.]]> Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:21:24 GMT
The launch team's "call to stations" came at 12:30 a.m. EDT, and the countdown picked up a half hour later. The launch window opens at 8 a.m. and extends until noon.

Coverage on NASA TV and on NASA's Launch Blog begins at 5 a.m.]]> Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:30:45 GMT picked up on time at 1 a.m.

Liftoff is targeted for 8 a.m. this morning. Currently, there is a 60
percent chance of favorable weather during the window, which extends until
noon.

NASA TV coverage and the Launch Blog of the Ares I-X launch begins at 5 a.m.
EDT.

NASA mission managers canceled Tuesday's scheduled launch of the Ares I-X
flight test because of weather concerns at the Kennedy Space Center in
Florida.]]> Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:10:00 GMT
Tuesday's attempt was plagued by weather issues, even though the vehicle itself was ready to fly. After multiple attempts to reset to new launch times during the 4-hour window, the final scrub came when the weather did not improve as the end of the window neared. Tomorrow's weather improves somewhat, with a 40 percent "no-go."

Wednesday's attempt will have the same 4-hour window that ends at noon, and live coverage will also begin again at 5 a.m. EDT.]]> Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:44:41 GMT Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:22:26 GMT Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:15:40 GMT Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:11:06 GMT Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:03:46 GMT Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:59:33 GMT Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:55:00 GMT
The weather will be closely monitored during the rest of the hold.]]> Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:17:12 GMT Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:52:01 GMT Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:48:55 GMT
At the T-28 second point, the auxiliary power units will start. At the T-0 mark, the explosive bolts holding the massive rocket to the pad will be blown, and the Ares I-X will begin its ascent with a maneuver to steer its path away from the launch tower to minimize pad damage.

Just moments now until liftoff of Ares I-X!]]> Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:45:18 GMT Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:38:02 GMT
Weather, coupled with a stuck probe cover, pushed the launch a little further into the window, which closes at noon.]]> Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:26:39 GMT
Weather continues to be the issue of the day, and the launch window extends until noon.

During this hold, the launch team will receive weather verification, the Launch Authority Team will be polled for a "go" or "no-go" for launch, and the launch test director will conduct the final launch status verification.]]> Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:22:14 GMT
Weather remains the issue of the day, and the launch window lasts until noon.

During this hold, the launch team will receive weather verification, the Launch Authority Team will be polled for a "go" or "no-go" for launch, and the launch test director will conduct the final launch status verification.]]> Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:00:22 GMT
During this time, the launch team will receive weather verification, the Launch Authority Team will be polled for a "go" or "no-go" for launch, and the launch test director will conduct the final launch status verification.

Weather remains the issue of the day, and the launch window lasts until noon.]]> Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:36:22 GMT
Weather Officer Kathy Winters gives a "red" at present due to high clouds. All eyes will be on the weather throughout the count.

The team will count down to the only built-in hold in the Ares I-X countdown, coming at the T-4 minute mark. This hold will last for 20 minutes. The launch window for today extends from 8 a.m. EDT until noon.]]> Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:54:46 GMT
You can follow the countdown live on our official launch blog at www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/ares/flighttests/aresIx/launch_blog.html, and on NASA TV, which is also streaming live at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

As of the 2 a.m. EDT weather update, today's forecast still remains at 60 percent "no-go" due to possible clouds and precipitation in the launch area. A new weather balloon was just released and weather updates will continue throughout the countdown today.

The launch team's "call to stations" came at 12:30 a.m., and the countdown picked up a half hour later. The team will count down to the only built-in hold in the Ares I-X countdown, coming at the T-4 minute mark. This hold will last for 20 minutes. The launch window for today extends until noon.]]> Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:08:16 GMT
The launch team's "call to stations" came at 12:30 a.m., and the countdown picked up a half hour later. About 30 team members are operating today from both the newly renovated Young-Crippen Firing Room, of Kennedy's Launch Control Center.

The team will count down to the only built-in hold in the Ares I-X countdown, coming at the T-4 minute mark. This hold will last for 20 minutes. The launch window for today extends until noon. The only spoiler for the 8 a.m. liftoff might be the weather.

Minute-to-minute coverage on NASA's Launch Blog begins 5 a.m. EDT.]]> Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:30:00 GMT countdown picked up a half hour later. About 30 team members are operating
today from the newly renovated Young-Crippen Firing Room, of Kennedy's
Launch Control Center.

The only spoiler for the 8 a.m. liftoff might be the weather. Currently,
there only is a 40 percent chance of favorable weather during the window,
which extends until noon.

NASA's Launch Blog of the Ares I-X launch begins at 5 a.m. EDT.]]> Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:46:45 GMT countdown picked up a half hour later. About 30 team members are operating
today from the newly renovated Young-Crippen Firing Room, of Kennedy's
Launch Control Center.

The only spoiler for the 8 a.m. liftoff might be the weather. Currently,
there only is a 40 percent chance of favorable weather during the window,
which extends until noon.

NASA's Launch Blog of the Ares I-X launch begins tomorrow at 5 a.m. EDT.]]> Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:22:32 GMT countdown picked up a half hour later. About 30 team members are operating
today from both the newly renovated Young-Crippen Firing Room, of Kennedy's
Launch Control Center and the Mission Director's Center at Cape Canaveral
Air Force Station.

The only spoiler for the 8 a.m. liftoff might be the weather. Currently,
there only is a 40 percent chance of favorable weather during the window,
which extends until noon.

NASA's Launch Blog of the Ares I-X launch begins tomorrow at 5 a.m. EDT.]]> Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:13:44 GMT
The only spoiler when tomorrow morning's launch window opens at 8 a.m. EDT might be the weather. Currently, there only is a 40 percent chance of favorable weather during the window, which extends until noon. The team will have the same four-hour window for a launch attempt on Wednesday if Tuesday's liftoff is scrubbed, and Wednesday's weather shows a slight improvement to 60 percent "go."

The launch team of approximately 30 members will have their "call to stations" at 12:30 a.m., leading into the beginning of the seven-hour countdown at 1 a.m.

NASA's Launch Blog of the Ares I-X launch begins tomorrow at 5 a.m. EDT.]]> Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:56:23 GMT
Launch preparations continue on schedule, heading toward an 8 a.m. EDT liftoff tomorrow. Overnight at Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39B, technicians installed the flight door on the fifth segment simulator. This morning, the sound suppression water system tank at the pad was filled with 300,000 gallons of water.

Launch preparations also are under way a few miles from the pad in the Launch Control Center's Young-Crippen Firing Room. In addition, at NASA's Hangar AE on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Mission Director’s Center, the Launch Vehicle Data Center and the telemetry lab are being configured for launch.

The launch team's "call to stations" will come at 12:30 a.m. tomorrow, with the seven-hour countdown beginning at 1 a.m.]]> Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:34:47 GMT
Overnight at Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39B, technicians installed the flight door on the fifth segment simulator. This morning, the sound suppression water system tank at the pad was filled with 300,000 gallons of water.

Launch preparations also are under way a few miles from the pad in the Launch Control Center's Young-Crippen Firing Room. In addition, at NASA's Hangar AE on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Mission Director’s Center, the Launch Vehicle Data Center and the telemetry lab are being configured for launch.

The launch team's "call to stations" will come at 12:30 a.m. tomorrow, with the seven-hour countdown beginning at 1 a.m.
The weather forecast is unchanged, presenting the launch team with a 40 percent chance of good weather for liftoff.]]> Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:44:43 GMT
Weather Officer Kathy Winters offered less favorable news, reporting that there still remains only a 40 percent chance that the weather on Tuesday morning will cooperate. The issue will be a chance of clouds and precipitation in the area. There is a four-hour launch window, extending from 8 a.m. until 12 noon EDT. If weather scrubs Tuesday's attempt, the launch team will try again on Wednesday, maintaining the same launch window.

Today's preparations at Launch Pad 39B include final ordnance work and electrical testing, as well as testing of the range safety command transmitter. Later tonight, technicians will install the flight doors on the fifth segment simulator.

Launch countdown preparations in Firing Room 1 are scheduled for Monday, and the launch teams "call to stations" will come at 12:30 a.m. EDT on Tuesday.]]> Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:25:09 GMT
All launch preparations for the Ares I-X flight test are on schedule and the team is working no issues. Today, Launch Pad 39B is closed until 11 a.m. EDT for final ordnance work, and will be closed again for ordnance electrical testing at 6 p.m.

Testing of the range safety command transmitter is scheduled for this afternoon. Later tonight, technicians will install the flight doors on the fifth segment simulator

Launch countdown preparations in Firing Room 1 are scheduled for Monday. Launch is set for 8 a.m. EDT on Tuesday.]]> Sun, 25 Oct 2009 13:37:33 GMT
Doug Cooke, associate administrator for NASA's Exploration Systems Mission Directorate, said the group was unanimous in their assessment that with no technical issues, they are ready to go.

During a news conference following the review meeting, Bob Ess, Ares I-X mission manager, described today as the culmination of their review cycle and said, "We're good to fly next week."

"It's great to be part of a team that put a rocket together in the time it took," said Ed Mango, Ares I-X launch director. "The team is ready to go fly; the vehicle is ready to go fly."

A few miles away at Launch Pad 39B, technicians have been conducting a second day of integrated systems tests. Today's checkouts involve the launch pad and ground systems, and ground support equipment.

On Thursday, the rocket was fully tested, including a successful "hot fire" of the auxiliary power units. The rotating service structure was opened in the afternoon and will be moved back into place after an evening test of the Xenon lights is completed tonight.

A countdown simulation with full launch team support is set for Saturday, with vehicle closeouts scheduled for Sunday. Launch countdown preparations will begin on Monday, with the countdown starting at L-7 hours at 1 a.m. on Tuesday. At this point, launch weather is 40 percent "go" for Tuesday.]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:32:47 GMT
The post-review news conference is now set to begin at 4 p.m. on NASA TV. It can also be seen online at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

Meanwhile, a few miles away at Launch Pad 39B, technicians have been conducting a second day of integrated systems tests. Today's checkouts involve the launch pad and ground systems, and ground support equipment.

On Thursday, the rocket was fully tested, including a successful "hot fire" of the auxiliary power units. The rotating service structure was opened in the afternoon and will be moved back into place after an evening test of the Xenon lights is completed tonight.

A countdown simulation with full launch team support is set for Saturday, with vehicle closeouts scheduled for Sunday.]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:47:37 GMT
A few miles away at Launch Pad 39B, technicians are conducting a second day of integrated systems tests. Today's checkouts involve the launch pad and ground systems, and ground support equipment.

On Thursday, the rocket was fully tested, including a successful "hot fire" of the auxiliary power units. The rotating service structure was opened in the afternoon and will be moved back into place after an evening test of the Xenon lights is completed tonight.

A countdown simulation with full launch team support is set for Saturday, with vehicle closeouts scheduled for Sunday.]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:44:46 GMT
On Thursday, technicians conducted a full test of the rocket, including a "hot fire" of the auxiliary power units as part of the integrated systems test. The rotating service structure was opened in the afternoon and will be moved back into place after an evening test of the Xenon lights is completed tonight.

Also today, the Ares I-X Flight Test Readiness Review will be held at Kennedy, which is expected to include the selection of an official launch date. At the launch pad, technicians will test the launch pad and ground systems, and ground support equipment.

A launch countdown simulation is set for Saturday, with vehicle closeouts scheduled for Sunday.]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:06:45 GMT