Spaceflight

NASA expects to release the draft request for proposals next week for the Ares I crew launch vehicle's mobile launcher. It will be used to help assemble, check out and transfer the Ares I and Orion crew exploration vehicle to the launch pad and then launch the booster. The final request for proposals, to be published by 16 July, may also contain an option for an additional mobile launcher. Contractors will be required to submit bids to NASA by 7 January 2008.