Ares I-X, a success!

For those of you who know me, you'd better believe I've been glued to Nasa's live streaming of the first complete test launch of the new Ares rocket (designated I-X), which, if all goes according to plan, will be the rocket that takes us back to the Moon (2020!!) and beyond.

And I'm glad to report that at 1530 GMT today (after a day and a half of frustration waiting on the weather), the launch was carried out successfully with upper stage simulator and first stage separation at 130,000 ft above the Atlantic.

In the words of one of the Constellation Program Managers, "How impressive is that?"

For more information on the launch, the Ares rocket and the Constellation Program, visit www.nasa.gov, and for replays of the launch, www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv.

Congratulations, NASA!