Ares 1-X Rocket Launch Set for 9:08 AM
28.10.09
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — After a series of lightning strikes overnight, NASA has briefly delayed the launch of the Ares 1-X test rocket. The agency hopes weather conditions permit a launch.
The space agency now hopes for a lift-off at 10:30 a.m. of the Ares 1-X experiemental rocket, though representatives hold out hopes of an earlier launch. An estimated 154 lightning strikes were reported within a 5-mile radius of the launch pad overnight, though none of the strikes affected the launch pad.
Launch control scrambled this morning at the T-minus 4-minute hold mark to retest the Ares I-X rocket, to ensure that no critical parts have been damaged. A few tests remain, such as a final check of the thrust vector control, but NASA remains confident that Ares is launch-ready.
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The only issue NASA faces this morning is the inclement weather conditions. Measurements from weather balloons match forecasts for upper level winds, and wind speeds they report are well within limits for launch. Weather reconnaissance craft in the area plus satellite pictures present a complete picture for NASA of current weather conditions.
The space agency is closely watching electricity due to the “triboelectrification rule.” According to NASA’s launch blog , “flying through high-level clouds can generate ‘P-static’ (P for precipitation), which can create a corona of static around the rocket that interferes with radio signals sent by or to the rocket.”
NASA Launch Control noted that the booster-retrieval ship Freedom will recover the booster after launch today.
Clouds, snagged tethers and even a misdirected cargo ship within the danger area in the Atlantic Ocean contributed to an eventual postponement in Monday’s scheduled launch of the Ares 1-X, a trial version of the rocket NASA hopes will ferry astronauts to low-Earth orbit aboard an Orion spacecraft.
The test rocket includes a real solid-rocket first stage, with a mock second stage and dummy Orion crew capsule on top to simulate the intended weight and size of Ares I. Ares I-X is the tallest booster in service or about to fly and stands about 327 feet high — 14 stories taller than NASA’s space shuttles.
