NASA has rolled out its Ares I-X rocket in preparation for a planned 27 October launch date.

The rocket – a test flight for vehicle planned to replace the Space Shuttle – is now on the pad.

Will Ares ever actually heave humans into space though? Both the Guardian and the Times suggest that Obama may cut the expensive project.

Nature’s Eric Hand has also looked at the possibility, see: NASA’s Moon goals under review and Presidential panel narrows NASA’s options.