Family Life

12.04.09 | FL News Team

A month after launching its first test rocket in decades, NASA says the Ares 1-X performed well during its maiden flight. The rocket carried only sensors on its brief mission before it separated its dummy upper stage and parachuted into the Atlantic. Project Manager Bob Ess says initial analysis of data shows the launch of the Ares was nearly flawless, but minor problems arose following separation from the booster.

 Not every connector disengaged as designed and the parachutes didn't function as expected, but Ess says they are problems that can be overcome. He adds the most critical parts of the test fell in line with computer simulations, proving that their concept does work. It's still unclear if the Obama administration will fund any future testing of the Ares rocket.