BIG PIC: The Next Generation of Space Flight?

Oct. 26, 2009 -- The first test of the Constellation Program's crew launch vehicle -- the Ares I-X -- is scheduled to blast off on Oct. 27 from Kennedy Space Center, Fla. During Sunday's Ares I-X Launch Status Briefing, Launch Test Director Jeff Spaulding said the test vehicle is ready. "I'm very happy to report that we are tracking no problems and the vehicle is in great shape," he said.

Unfortunately, Florida's changeable weather may cause problems and NASA forecasts a 60 percent chance that the weather will be unacceptable for an Ares I-X flight. The four hour launch window is from 8 a.m. to noon EDT. If the launch is scrubbed, ground crews will prepare the rocket for a second try at the same time on Wednesday.

Although the Ares I-X will be the first test vehicle of the Constellation Program, the future of NASA's human space flight plans are far from certain. On Oct. 22, the Augustine Commission presented options for NASA, but the verdict on the Ares I vehicle was that although technically sound, it wouldn't fulfill the task it was set on the budget that is currently being allocated.

"I think there is argument that it was a sensible program to begin with. There is a real question as to whether it's a sensible program today," said Norman Augustine, chairman space review panel.

Image: The Ares I-X is being prepared for launch on Pad 39B. In the distance on Pad 39A, space shuttle Atlantis awaits its scheduled Nov. 16 STS-129 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Credit: NASA

For space news, photos, video and more, take a look at Discovery News: Space and Ian O'Neill's blog: Space Disco.