News>45th Space Wing Airmen support successful Ares I-X launch
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The Constellation Program's Ares I-X test rocket lifts off from Launch Complex 39B Oct. 28, 2009, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. (NASA photo/Jim Grossmann)
NASA's Ares I-X rocket is seen on Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla.,while awaiting its approaching liftoff. The rocket was launched on Oct. 28, 2009. The flight test of Ares I-X will provide NASA with an early opportunity to test and prove flight characteristics, hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with the Ares I. (NASA photo/Bill Ingalls)
With more than 12 times the thrust produced by a Boeing 747 jet aircraft, the Constellation Program's Ares I-X test rocket roars off Launch Complex 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida Oct. 28, 2009. The rocket produces 2.96 million pounds of thrust at liftoff and goes supersonic in 39 seconds. (NASA photo/Jim Grossmann)
The Ares I-X rocket awaiting the approaching liftoff of its flight test from Launch Complex 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, This is the first time since the Apollo Program's Saturn rockets were retired that a vehicle other than the space shuttle has occupied the pad. (NASA photo/Kim Shiflett)
The Constellation Program's Ares I-X test rocket roars off Launch Complex 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida Oct. 28,2009. The rocket produces 2.96 million pounds of thrust at liftoff and reaches a speed of 100 mph in eight seconds. Liftoff of the 6-minute flight test was at 11:30 a.m. EDT. (NASA Photo)
10/28/2009 - CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. (AFNS) -- Airmen, Air Force civilians and contractors from the 45th Space Wing provided Eastern Range support for NASA's successful launch of the Ares I-X. The test rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 39B at the Kennedy Space Center at 11:30 a.m. (EDT) Oct. 28.
Personnel from throughout the 45th Space Wing provided vital support, including weather forecasts, launch and range operations, safety and public affairs. The wing also provided its vast network of radar, telemetry, optical and communications instrumentation to facilitate a safe launch.
"The success of this test launch helps to pave the way for future space exploration," said Brig. Gen. Edward L. Bolton Jr., 45th Space Wing commander. "We're very pleased to continue supporting NASA and its partners as we write the next chapter in human space flight here on the Eastern Range."
The Ares I is the first rocket developed for NASA's Constellation Program, tasked with developing vehicles necessary to carry astronauts on future journeys of exploration. This mission provided an opportunity to test and prove the new rocket's flight characteristics, hardware, facilities and ground operations.
