- Join the France 24 community here
- Log in
Latest update: 28/10/2009
- NASA - space shuttle
NASA launches successor to space shuttle
A prototype rocket designed to replace the aging US space shuttle fleet successfully took off for a two-minute test flight Wednesday after weather-related delays.
By News Wires (text)
REUTERS - An unmanned NASA rocket intended to help develop a new space taxi service to the moon streaked into the sky on Wednesday for a brief two-minute test flight.
The 327-foot (100-meter) Ares 1-X rocket, currently the world’s tallest, blasted off at 11:30 a.m. EDT (1530 GMT) from a modified space shuttle launch pad at Cape Canaveral in Florida.
The slim white craft powered into the blue sky over Florida on a column of flame and smoke.
“That was just unbelieveable, that was fantastic, I’ve just got tears in my eyes,” Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana told the launch team.
Firing its motors for just over two minutes, the rocket flew to an altitude of 28 miles (45 km) and reached a speed nearly five times the speed of sound.
It parachuted back down into the Atlantic Ocean, where it was to be recovered by a NASA ship.
The new demo rocket is the centerpiece of a $445 million NASA program to verify designs for vehicles intended to replace the agency’s retiring space shuttles.
In addition to ferrying astronauts to the International Space Station 225 miles (360 km) above Earth, the booster is intended to be part of a system to fly astronauts to the moon and other destinations in the solar system.
The space shuttles are due to be retired next year after six more missions to complete the space station.
Related Content
SCIENCE
‘Darth Vader’ demands free land from Ukrainian government
Browse all editions
FRANCE 24 PARTNERS
Comments (2)
I like what you have said.
I like what you have said.
ugg boots
Ugg Boots,also called Ug or Ugg boots,are nowadays one of the most popular boots.They existed already in 1930's and became popular in 1960's when Australian surfers found out,that they can warm their feet after coming out from cold water.They have everything you need-comfort and warmth.You will never be cold in those boots because 100% sheepskin will warm you even in the coldest days.The natural thermal properties of sheepskin make possible that Ugg Boots will warm you in the winter but in the summer your feet will not be wet.It is true that Ugg is shorter from ugly,but if you know even little bit about fashion you will know that Ugg boots are not ugly.We can see famous people like Pamela Anderson or Kate Hudson wearing Ugg Boots.
Nowadays we have new improved Ugg boots for sale.You can get them for anybody.We have women boots,children boots,slippers and casuals.
Our UGG Australia Boots are all authentic.Their properties and features as below:
*In cold temperatures,the fleece works as an insulating layer of warmth and keeps the warmth of body heat inside of the boot.
*In the heat,the wool fibers keep the air circulating; thus keeping your fee dry and pulling the perspiration away from your skin.Sheepskin also contains lanolin,which moisturizes your feet when worn barefoot.
*ugg boots have reinforced toes,which are double stitched and extra durable heels.
*feature a natural,thick fleece on a removable in-sole for arch support.
*The sole is usually durable in most terrain,lightweight and provides traction as well.-http://www.gouggs.com/
Post new comment