Cabinet

Ares I-X Launch

NASA’s Ares I-X test rocket lifted off Oct. 28, 2009, at 11:30 a.m. EDT from Kennedy Space Center in Florida for a two-minute powered flight. The flight test lasted about six minutes from its launch from the newly modified Launch Complex 39B until splashdown of the rocket’s booster stage nearly 150 miles downrange.

These are photos taken of the Ares I-X test rocket from a few days ago, and there are more after the source link below. There’s some controversy surrounding the nasa budget, especially with the Constellation Program, but I can’t help but enjoy moments like this when such an enormous project is realized. I can’t think of any other team effort requiring as much specialized knowledge and trained professionals. Can you imagine what the launch party must have been like? And then the after-party—so many nerd babies will be born in July 2010.

Anyway, it isn’t really the focus of the news these days, but this article by Leroy Chiao (former astronaut) on the “Future of US Human Spaceflight” can quickly bring you up to date on the current state of space exploration. It’s sad to me that nasa and the US space program has lost so much relevance. I feel like our generation views it as a ‘50s era thing that doesn’t have anything left to offer. With the world focus having shifted to being eco-friendly and saving the economy, it isn’t hard to see why some people might consider it this way. However, a lot of good things came out of it—technological advancements, improved international relations, and even a boost to the nation’s morale—and I think it’s important to keep investing not only our money, but public interest and support. Plus, what’s going to be the substitute for sci-fi? All the kids have right now is Lady Gaga and autotune. That really sucks.

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