Atlantis launch

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'.

By Matthew Kenworthy (not verified) on 11 May 2009 #permalink