On Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:11:40 -0700, Fred J. McCall
wrote:

But until you've got real engines and real structure test flights
won't tell you anything about controllability or potential resonant
frequencies.

Sure it will, it will verify NASA's modeling tools. If 1X behaves the
way the modeling says it will, they can be much more comfortable that
the modeling for the fullscale Ares I will be accurate as well.

Conversly, if 1X goes out of control, crashes into the tower, or
shakes itself to pieces, don't you think that might be a good
indication not to move forward with Ares I?

Launching something they've already launched but that is made to LOOK
like the new vehicle build confidence? They DO have problems at NASA,
then.

You're just figuring this out *now*? :-)

Brian