CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA is targeting Tuesday, Oct. 27, for the flight test of the Ares I-X rocket, pending successful testing and data verification. Senior managers made the decision after a meeting Monday at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

The Oct. 27 target date has been confirmed with the Air Force's Eastern Range. The launch window will extend from 8 a.m. to noon EDT. There is another launch opportunity on Oct. 28. The date will be finalized at a Flight Test Readiness Review scheduled for Oct. 23 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Technicians at Kennedy have completed the stacking, or assembly, of the rocket on a mobile launch platform. This week, Ares I-X team members are conducting a launch countdown simulation and conducting final checks of the rocket's systems. The checks will begin with the launch abort system simulator atop the rocket and continue down to its aft skirt. The rocket is targeted to roll out to Kennedy's Launch Pad 39B on Oct. 19.

An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at WHEELS Idaho Historical Museum (Garfield Elementary), Boise, Idaho on 24 Sep. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 20:34 UTC.
The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be a telebridge between NA1SS and W6SRJ. The contact should be audible over the west coast of the U.S. Interested parties are invited to listen in on the 145.80 MHz downlink. The contact is expected to be conducted in English.

The staff and students of Garfield Elementary, in Boise, Idaho, are excited about having the opportunity to communicate with the International Space Station. All grades are involved, and the event has motivated students' interest in math and science. Teachers have been using the event to focus on curriculum objectives.

An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at Cedarview Middle School, Ottawa, ON, Canada on 24 Sep. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 19:07 UTC.
The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds.

The contact will be direct between NA1SS and VE3TBD. The contact should be audible over parts of eastern Canada and the U.S. Interested parties are invited to listen in on the 145.80 MHz downlink. The contact is expected to be conducted in English.

Cedarview has a dynamic, energetic staff who are committed to providing quality educational experiences to all students. We present our students with a range of opportunities to extend their interests, talents, skills and leadership qualities.