NASA Ares 1-X Rocket Launch Delayed

By Amanda Pendolino on October 27th, 2009

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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?