Space Shuttle Launch Audio - play LOUD (no music) HD 1080p

Summary

This transcript captures the thrilling moments of a space shuttle launch, with communications detailing key stages of the countdown, from T-minus 90 seconds to lift-off. The team monitors systems, ensuring Discovery is powered and ready for its mission. As the countdown nears its final seconds, the shuttle launches, guided by its onboard computers. The communication highlights the smooth separation of the solid rocket boosters and confirms the shuttle’s trajectory toward its precise space destination, with a brief mention of the mission's goals, including support for future space station missions.

Takeaways

• 🚀 The countdown to launch is at T minus 90 seconds, with all systems reporting as good.
• ⚡ Discovery is now running on its three onboard fuel cells as it approaches the go for auto sequence start.
• 🖥 The onboard computers of Discovery have primary control over the vehicle's critical functions.
• ⏳ T minus 17 seconds: countdown to launch continues with precise timing and coordination.
• 🚀 Lift-off occurs at T minus 0 seconds with Discovery on its mission to the space station.
• 🌌 Discovery is paving the way for future space missions beyond the space station.
• 🎯 Discovery is traveling at 67% of its expected performance after launch.
• 🔊 The shuttle breaks through the sound barrier as it continues its ascent.
• 🛠 All systems are reported as functioning well, with no major issues during the initial phase of the flight.
• 💨 The solid rocket booster separation is confirmed as the shuttle’s guidance system adjusts for its path.
• 📡 Communication with Houston is clear, with the negative return confirmed, indicating smooth flight progress.

Q & A

What does 'T minus 90 seconds' refer to in the transcript?

'T minus 90 seconds' refers to the time remaining before the launch of the space shuttle Discovery. The 'T' stands for 'Time', and 'minus' indicates the countdown to launch. In this case, there are 90 seconds left before liftoff.

What systems are being monitored during the countdown?

The transcript mentions that all systems are good, meaning that the shuttle's systems, such as onboard fuel cells and power, are being monitored to ensure that everything is functioning properly ahead of the launch.

What is meant by 'auto sequence start'?

'Auto sequence start' refers to a critical step in the countdown process where the shuttle’s onboard computers begin to control and automate all the final steps leading to launch, such as switching to internal power and other pre-launch functions.

How does the space shuttle Discovery get its power during the countdown?

During the countdown, the space shuttle Discovery is running off its three onboard fuel cells, which provide the necessary electrical power for the shuttle’s systems.

What does 'primary control of all the vehicle's critical functions' mean?

This means that once the shuttle reaches a certain point in the countdown, the onboard computers take over control of all critical systems, such as guidance, propulsion, and safety functions, ensuring the shuttle is prepared for launch.

What does 'Discovery’s onboard computers have primary control' signify about the role of human operators?

Once the shuttle reaches this point in the countdown, human operators on the ground take a secondary role in managing the shuttle’s systems. The onboard computers now control the critical functions autonomously.

What is 'solid rocket booster separation'?

Solid rocket booster separation refers to the moment when the two solid rocket boosters (SRBs) detach from the shuttle after they have provided enough thrust to propel the shuttle into space. This is a critical part of the launch sequence.

What does 'guidance now converging' mean in the context of the launch?

'Guidance now converging' means that the shuttle's guidance system is aligning to the correct trajectory for the mission. The onboard computers are adjusting the shuttle’s orientation to ensure it heads toward the right destination.

What is 'main engine cut off' (MECO)?

Main Engine Cut-Off (MECO) is the moment when the shuttle’s main engines shut down after reaching the desired velocity and altitude. This marks the end of the powered phase of the launch.

What is meant by 'negative return' in the transcript?

'Negative return' refers to a safety protocol where, in the event of an emergency after launch, the shuttle would not be able to return to its launch site. This term indicates that the shuttle is too far from the ground to safely return at that point in the mission.