Lift Off Successful for Ares 1-X

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

The Ares 1-X solid rocket flew beautifully on its second day of trying to find a little weather window.  Long, slim and powerful, this rather new machine made its originators proud.  I have been watching the camera replays with fascination, including two on the vehicle itself.  The control rooms broke out in applause, handshakes, high-fives and general celebration over the feat.  After they all settle down a bit (at 1:30 PM Eastern time), there will be a news conference by the principles on the NASA channel.
The next few days, weeks and months will be devoted to analyzing the data that was fed back to the control room from more than 700 sensors on the rocket.  This launch feels very different than the test launches of decades ago.  It will be interesting to see the next generation learn to do all this their own way.  I wish them well.
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