NASA ARES Rocket Launch Canceled Over Triboelectrification Fears

by Yuliya Talmazan | October 27, 2009 at 09:44 am

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NASA was supposed to launch its ARES I-X rocket today at the Kennedy Space Center, but the ARES launch was canceled due to a natural phenomenon called triboelectrification, which could have interfered with signals sent out from the ARES rocket after liftoff. NASA was intending to broadcast the ARES launch live, but had to scrub the rocket launch minutes before scheduled takeoff. Next attempt was scheduled for 8 AM Wednesday morning, as stated on NASA's website.

The triboelectrification effect (or rule) involves static electricity created when different materials come in contact with each other. It is similar to that high school science demo when am amber rod was rubbed against the wool, producing visible sparks. NASA was concerned the polarity produced by triboelectrification might interfere with rocket's emitted signals, defeating the whole purpose of the mission. Hence, it decided to delay the mission until the weather conditions causing triboelectrification dissipate -- the skies above Kennedy Space Center were high this morning.

In the case of Ares I-X, flying through high-level clouds can generate “P-static” (P for precipitation), which can create a corona of static around the rocket that interferes with radio signals sent by or to the rocket. This would create problems when the rocket tries to transmit data down to the ground or if the Range Safety Officer at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station needed to send a signal to the flight termination system. Until the 45th Space Wing and observer aircraft indicate that the skies are clear, Ares I-X will wait them out.

NASA was also concerned that the high winds might affect rocket's trajectory. Other technical difficulties, such as a stuck probe cover and an cargo ship that went into the rocket's "danger zone," also added to the problems.

The ARES I-X unmanned rocket is a part of NASA's post-shuttle Constellation program. The shuttle is expected to be retired by NASA by year 2010. NASA hoped to launch ARES to advance the development of spacecraft for U.S. human spaceflight after the retirement of the shuttle program.