NASA's prototype rocket set for Tuesday launch

Ares I-X passes flight test readiness review

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - A prototype version of NASA's newest rocket is ready for its planned Tuesday launch, mission managers said Friday.

NASA is set to test the design of its next-generation rocket, Ares I, during a demonstration liftoff called Ares I-X. The launch, slated for 8 a.m. ET on Oct. 27 from Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center here, will be a suborbital flight of the new rocket's first stage, with a dummy second stage and mock crew capsule on top.

NASA officially gave the go-ahead for Tuesday's launch after a Flight Test Readiness Review meeting among mission managers.

But the weather outlook for Tuesday is iffy, with only a 40 percent chance of favorable conditions expected. NASA requires clear skies for the launch so that the rocket's flight is visible and detailed data can be collected.

"Weather is always a challenge and next week will be no different," said Ed Mango, Ares I-X launch director. "But we're five days out and a lot can change in those five days."