Pieces Coming Together For NASA's New Spacecraft

Matt_dk points out an update on the progress of development for NASA's Ares I launch rocket, excerpting: "NASA is using powerful computers and software programs to design the rocket that will carry crew and cargo to space after the space shuttle retires. But those computers will have their work checked the old-fashioned way with the first of several uncrewed demonstration launches beginning in 2009. Ares I-X, the first Ares I test rocket, will lift off from Kennedy Space Center, Fla. in the summer of 2009. It will climb about 25 miles in a two-minute powered test of Ares I first stage performance and its first stage separation and parachute recovery system." Reader coondoggie notes that NASA is also looking further afield, putting out the call for ideas on moon colonization. They'll be offering a variety of grants for projects which facilitate human activities that are "not reliant on Earth's resources."

Comments

Will it actually happen?

[takane]

According to this it may not actually happen, in fact it may just be the beginning of the budgetary death spiral for the whole manned space program.

Re:Still more tough times for NASA ahead.....

[Samschnooks]

The ISS is a white elephant and a distraction to NASA. It should be abandoned for real scientific and research pursuits.