杏吧原创

A MODERATE breeze could spell doom for the rocket NASA is developing to launch astronauts into orbit after the space shuttle鈥檚 retirement.

This week, the Florida newspaper Orlando Sentinel obtained NASA computer simulations that showed wind speeds of just over 20 kilometres per hour could blow the Ares I rocket into its launch tower during lift-off. NASA had not released further details as New 杏吧原创 went to press.

Independent space-flight analyst Charles Lurio says Ares I may be especially vulnerable to winds because it is so tall. The issue adds to the mounting problems for Ares I, including a tendency to vibrate excessively.

One NASA engineer, who has participated in studies of Ares I performance, told New 杏吧原创 that the design needs a complete rethink: 鈥淵ou might as well change gears and work on a design that is going to be successful.鈥� Ares I is likely to be reviewed after the US election. The engineer says many people within NASA are pessimistic: 鈥淭hey don鈥檛 think the project will survive as it is.鈥�