NASA sets new Atlantis launch date

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., Oct. 20 (UPI) -- The U.S. space agency says it has set Nov. 16 as the target launch date for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission to the International Space Station.

NASA officials said they met Monday and decided to adjust Atlantis' target launch date to optimize the agency's ability to launch both the Ares I-X rocket and Atlantis before the end of the year. The same launch team at the Kennedy Space Center is supporting both the shuttle and the flight test of the Ares I-X rocket, which is to lift off Oct. 27.

Atlantis' new target launch date will give Ares I-X launch opportunities Oct. 27, 28 and 29.

The change in Atlantis' targeted launch will affect the countdown dress rehearsal for the shuttle's six astronauts. NASA said the simulated countdown has been rescheduled to Nov. 3.

"The astronauts will practice emergency escape and other related training while they are at Kennedy this week and return there Nov. 2 to conclude their rehearsal work," NASA said.