Article Posted on : - Oct 24, 2009

The Ares I-X test vehicle sits on Launch Pad 39B just a few miles away from space shuttle Atlantis on Launch Pad 39A. Image Credit: NASA/Kim

WASHINGTON (BNS): NASA on Saturday announced the first flight test of the new Ares I-X on October 27.

Following the rocket’s Flight Test Readiness Review at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Saturday, mission managers decided to launch the new vehicle on Tuesday at 8 a.m. (local time), according to a NASA statement.

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.

Bob Ess, Ares I-X mission manager, described Saturday’s flight readiness review as the culmination of their review cycle and said, "We're good to fly next week."

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.

Launch countdown preparations will begin on Monday, with the countdown starting at L-7 hours at 1 a.m. on Tuesday.

NASA had earlier delayed the launch of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission from the Kennedy Space Center until November 16 to have more time to test the new rocket.

Ares I-X is the first test flight in the Ares I development program.The Ares I space transportation system is developed to send future astronauts into orbit by replacing the existing space shuttles set to retire in 2010.