Try again tomorrow. That’s what Mother Nature said to NASA’s Ares 1-X rocket, which was scheduled to launch this morning at Cape Canaveral, FL. According to Fox News, clouds, snagged tethers, and even a misdirected cargo ship within the danger area in the Atlantic Ocean, all contributed to the 24-hour delay.
The Ares 1-X is a trial version of the rocket NASA hopes will ferry astronauts to low-Earth orbit aboard an Orion spacecraft. Tomorrow’s forecast should be less cloudy and windy, which will be safer. 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.” All of which means: there is a 40% chance that the rocket will be able to take off tomorrow.
Ares I-X stands about 327 feet high — 14 stories taller than NASA’s space shuttles, making it especially challenging. NASA’s plans to return astronauts to the moon by 2020 are currently under review by the Obama administration. Last week, a report from an independent panel appointed by the White House suggested that NASA consider replacing the Ares I rocket with commercial rockets that could be ready sooner.
In a time of economic crisis and unemployment nearing 10%, I wonder if we should be spending money on rockets. Are people hiring on the moon?
Comments
anniem
October 27th, 2009 - 9:52:45 AM
as opposed to firing people who work on rockets in a time of economic downturn?
Laura
October 27th, 2009 - 12:33:15 PM
the moon flight under consideration is currently set for 2020, by that time I'm sure our current recession will be long gone, making the point moot on either side.
lissette
October 28th, 2009 - 8:54:05 AM
i stongly belive that all that effort ,time , money should be used to make a better place on earth and stop searching the moon .. cause here it cant seem to get any worst as days go by ...