Ares I test delayed

The test firing of the Ares I solid rocket motor was canceled Thursday just 20 seconds before the test at contractor ATK’s facility in Utah. A broken valve of an auxiliar power unit appears to have been at fault. Ares I, part of NASA’s Constellation Program, faces an uncertain future. A commission named to review the manned space program is supposed to present its findings on Aug. 31, but has already indicated NASA does not have ample funding to return astronauts to the moon by 2020. (Sources: Multiple, 08/27/09) Gulf Coast note: Stennis Space Center in Mississippi and Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans are both involved in the Constellation Program.