NASA to launch experimental rocket

NASA is counting down for the second day in a row in hopes of launching its new, experimental rocket.

NASA is counting down for the second day in a row in hopes of launching its new, experimental rocket.

Clouds and wind prevented the Ares I-X rocket from blasting off Tuesday. Launch controllers will try to send the rocket on a two-minute test flight Wednesday morning. But poor weather could interfere again. Forecasters put the odds of acceptable conditions at an improved 60 percent.

The Ares I-X is a precursor to the rockets that NASA hopes to launch with astronauts to the International Space Station and, ultimately, the moon. The White House may scrap it, however, in favor of other rockets and destinations.

NASA has invested $445 million in the test. The first-stage booster will be recovered from the ocean for analysis.