The National Aeronautics and Space Administration said the first test flight of its next-generation launch system is scheduled for July 12.

The Ares I-X upper stage simulator that arrived Tuesday at the Kennedy Space Center consists of 11 individual components designed and manufactured during a two-year period at NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. The components represent the size, outer shape and weight of the second stage of the Ares I rocket, and will be integrated at the space center's Vehicle Assembly Building. The upper stage simulator eventually will be stacked atop the solid rocket booster segments of the Ares I-X rocket.

NASA said the Ares I-X test flight will provide an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with the Ares I crew launch vehicle. It also will allow NASA to gather critical data during ascent of the integrated Orion crew exploration vehicle and the Ares I rocket that will ensure the entire vehicle system is safe and fully operational before astronauts begin traveling into orbit.