Today, the 327-foot-tall Ares I-X rocket, secured to a mobile launcher platform, was transferred out to Launch Pad 39B. The test rocket left the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at 1:39 a.m. EDT on its 4.2-mile trek to the pad and was secured on the launch pad’s pedestals at 9:17 a.m EDT.
Various modifications have been made to transform the launch pad from supporting space shuttle to Ares rocket launches. The modifications have included removal of unique subsystems, such as the orbiter access arm and a section of the gaseous oxygen vent arm, along with the installation of three 600-foot lightning towers, access platforms, environmental control systems and a vehicle stabilization system.
The Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I. The Ares I-X flight test is targeted for Oct. 27 at 8:00 am EDT.
4 comments:
Always nice photos and comments on your blog. Go Damaris!
Always superb photos and clever comments. Go Damaris!
It's probably the same system which is going to save us from an extinction asteroid in the next century.
Thanks for posting those pix. I was watching the rollout on the NASA TV webcast while observing on Kitt Peak. Just before going to sleep, I watched the stack start up the launch pad ramp with the morning sunrise lighting. So pretty and nice to see higher resolution versions on your blog.
The rollout of Ares I-X reminded me of watching the rollout of Columbia for STS-1 in December 1980. I got to watch it live from northeast of the VAB and we got to hear John Young and Bob Crippen talk about their upcoming flight. That was pretty cool!
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