NASA's Ares I-X awaits liftoff from Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center, Fla. The Oct. 28, 2009, launch of Ares I-X provided an early opportunity to test and prove flight characteristics, hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with the rocket. (NASA photo/Bill Ingalls)

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The stars and stripes on the American flag reflect the teamwork of NASA and the Air Force as the Constellation Program's Ares I-X test rocket roars off Launch Complex 39B Oct. 28, 2009, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla. (NASA photo/Jim Grossmann)

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Ares I-X test rocket launched

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)

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Xenon lights reveal the Ares I-X rocket as it awaits its flight test Oct. 28, 2009, from Launch Complex 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla. This was the first time since the Apollo Program's Saturn rockets were retired that a vehicle other than the space shuttle occupied the pad. (NASA photo/Kim Shiflett)

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45th Space Wing Airmen support successful Ares I-X launch

Published Oct. 30, 2009
By Eric Brian
45th Space Wing

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. -- The 45th Space Wing provided flawless Eastern Range support for NASA's successful launch of the Ares I-X. The test rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center at 11:30 a.m. (EDT) Wednesday, Oct. 28.

Airmen, Air Force civilians and contractors 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.

Ares I-X test rocket launched