Space Shuttle Atlantis is launching STS-125, the last servicing mission to Hubble
launch is scheduled in 13 minutes,
I am watching on NASA TV
they just cleared all launch constraints, at T-14,
this is a nominal hold scheduled to T-9,
some clouds I hear.
nominal hold released, final countdown resumed
they're retracting the arm
man, I wish they'd skip some of the prescripted inspirational comments they insert into the countdown sequence
AUP started at T-5
main engines steering check T-3
20
10, sparking
main engine ignition
liftoff
looks ok so far
max Q
throttle up
30 km up
SRB burnout and drop - good
good luck John - be careful with our toys!
past no return, can go round
100 km up
speed 10,000 km/h
rolling
and up, still need to do orbit insertion but should be ok now.
that was exciting
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man, I wish they'd skip some of the prescripted inspirational comments they insert into the countdown sequence
Especially when delivered in a dull monotone.
Yea Atlantis!!
"Lit up with anticipation
We arrive at the launching site
The sky is still dark, nearing dawn
On the Florida coastline
Circling choppers slash the night
With roving searchlight beams
This magic day when super-science
Mingles with the bright stuff of dreams
Floodlit in the hazy distance
The star of this unearthly show
Venting vapours, like the breath
Of a sleeping white dragon
Crackling speakers, voices tense
Resume the final count
All systems check, T minus nine
As the sun and the drama start to mount
The air is charged
A humid, motionless mass
The crowds and the cameras,
The cars full of spectators pass
Excitement so thick you could cut it with a knife
Technology...high, on the leading edge of life
The earth beneath us starts to tremble
With the spreading of a low black cloud
A thunderous roar shakes the air
Like the whole world exploding
Scorching blast of golden fire
As it slowly leaves the ground
Tears away with a mighty force
The air is shattered by the awesome sound
Like a pillar of cloud
The smoke lingers high in the air
In fascination
With the eyes of the world
We stare..."
Rush, Signals Album, Countdown
It was the first shuttle launch I've watched live since watching Challenger in primary school back in Britain. Very, very cool to watch, but I agree that the inspirational comments were incredibly annoying - I now associate them with the film 'Contact'.