NASA Reschedules Rollout Of Ares I-X

Oct. 18, 2009 -- CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA has rescheduled to Tuesday, Oct. 20, the rollout of the Ares I-X rocket to Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The first motion of the Ares I-X out of Kennedy's Vehicle Assembly Building is targeted for 12:01 a.m. EDT. The 4.2-mile journey is expected to last about seven hours. Media activities include a first motion photo opportunity and interviews with Ares I-X managers. In addition, a sunrise photo opportunity will be available at 7 a.m.

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Live NASA Television coverage with commentary will start at 11:45 p.m., Oct. 19, and 7 a.m., Oct. 20. Video highlights of the move will air on NASA Television's Video File.

Reporters must arrive at Kennedy's news center by 10:30 p.m., Oct. 19 for transportation to the viewing area. For the sunrise event, reporters must arrive by 6:30 a.m., Oct. 20. Media accreditation for these events is closed.

Badges will be available for pick up at the badging facility on State Road 3 on Monday, Oct. 19, from 8:30 - 10 p.m. Updates with times for all events are available by calling 321-867-2525. All participants must be properly dressed in full-length pants, flat shoes that entirely cover the feet, and shirts with sleeves.

The rollout of Ares I-X originally was set for Monday, Oct. 19. During testing on Oct. 14, engineers detected a nitrogen gas leak in an accumulator located in the aft skirt of the rocket. The accumulator, which absorbs hydraulic pressure spikes as the system operates, was replaced and successfully retested. Management is assessing what effect, if any, this delayed rollout will have on the targeted Oct. 27 launch date.

For NASA Television downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv
To receive Ares I-X updates via Twitter, go to:

http://www.twitter.com/NASA_Ares_I_X

Source: NASA