On October 28, 2009, NASA launched Ares I-X from Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center. It was a suborbital test of the 327-foot prototype rocket meant to carry crews for the Constellation program, NASA’s planned successor to the Space Shuttle. A modified four-segment Shuttle solid rocket booster powered the vehicle, which carried simulators for the Orion crew module and launch abort system. It lifted off at 11:30 a.m. EDT, reached about 28 miles, and met all of its primary test objectives. Constellation was canceled in 2010.
This cover was canceled at the Kennedy Space Center post office on launch day:
- Cachet: “Ares I-X First Launch – ‘Return to the Moon.'” The printed text notes it was the first launch of the Ares I rocket, from Pad 39B, which also launched the Space Shuttles and Apollo Moon missions.
- Franked with a 44¢ U.S. flag stamp. Kennedy Space Center, FL 32815, Oct 28, 2009 cancel.
- Condition: Very good
- Size: 3 5/8″ x 6 1/2″ envelope
- What’s included: The cover, shipped in a protective archival case.
- Where it came from: Canceled at the Kennedy Space Center post office on launch day
- Photos: representative (We have several of these in stock)
Shipping: Free shipping within the United States. We currently ship to US addresses only.
