NASA’s Ares Class Rocket

For all you space geeks out there, get ready to blast-off with Ares I-X this Tuesday, October 27, 2009.  NASA plans to launch its new launch vehicle to see how she flies.  The launch window is currently between 8 A.M. and 12 P.M. EST, but as always, be prepared for a scrub since Florida weather is, well, Florida weather.

The Ares class rockets are NASA’s new design for a space launch platform which are supposed to replace the current space shuttle program that is supposed to be coming to an end in 2010.  However, they have been getting a lot of gruff about this new program, and frankly, I’m worried.

There are pulls in both directions, but the negative arguments are that the Ares program will not hit primetime fast enough to replace the Spaceshuttle successfully.  Others are saying that NASA should be worried less about the moon and should start shooting for other Sol objects, such as asteroids and Mars.

I’m still confused as to why we have not commercialised the industry more, trying to work towards making space flight available to those that are willing to pay the price.  This could help generate an offset so as to free up more government dollars to use towards world peace, or whatever.  Obviously there must be some reason why this has not been done yet, but it was a thought none the less.

What are your thoughts?