As plans moved ahead for NASA’s next manned launch vehicle, the Ares I, some fundamental questions needed to be answered. What aerodynamic surprises await it in actual flight? To find out NASA planned a series of unmanned launches similar to the Titan I and Saturn I launches of the early 1960s using a dummy upper stage. The first such launch was the Ares I-X! The flight took place on October 28th 2009. The I-X boosted on a standard Shuttle SRB that is extended with a 5th segment simulator. The upper section was a boilerplate of the proposed upper stage, adapter, Orion spacecraft and LAS. Standing 327 feet tall and weighing as much as three and a half un-fueled Saturn V moon rockets, the Ares I-X rolled out of the VAB 01:39 on October 20. Eight days later the vehicle thundered majestically from Pad 39B. Contrary to the speculation of mindless critics, the flight was 100% successful. In fact it was aw inspiring. At staging the entire upper section simply tumbled into the Atlantic and the SRB first stage returned by parachute just as it does on Shuttle missions. The data gained will help to evaluate the Ares I configuration for flight. Like an arrow to the future, the Ares I-X has pointed the way. The only question remaining is whether or not our politicians will have the brains and fortitude to go in that direction. This Dr. Zooch Rockets version of the Ares I-X stands just over 19 inches tall and weighs 1.5 ounces. Stabilized by our trademarked FlameFins, the model Ares I-X can achieve flights of over 2,000 feet. It returns by parachute and, if you manage to actually find it, can be flown over and over again. Although NO ENGINES ARE INCLUDED, it flies on 18 mm B or C engines that you can buy at most local hobby or craft stores. So- get yours now and be ready when NASA launches theirs! This is a great demonstration tool for educators who want to impress students, parents who want to impress kids or someone who just wants to punch a hole in the sky and impress themselves.