The NASA space shuttle is the spacecraft currently being used by the United States government during its human spaceflight missions. It is officially known as the Space Transportation System (STS) and is truly a wonder of modern science and technology. At launch, the space shuttle consists of an external tank, two rocket boosters and a winged spaceplane. However the winged spaceplane is also often referred to as the space shuttle as the other two parts are only needed for the launch and are released once the shuttle and its inhabitants are safely in space. Watching a space shuttle launch is an amazing and intense experience that involves all of the senses. If you are lucky enough to go and see one then don’t forget your sunglasses – you are definitely going to need them.
All space shuttle missions in the United States take place from the Kennedy Space Centre. It is here that the decision is made as to whether to start the launch process, taking all the weather considerations into account. On the day of launch the countdown begins at T minus 9 minutes – this is when the final preparations are made and the automatic countdown procedure begins. At T minus 16 seconds the huge sound suppression system (SPS) begins to flood the platform and trenches with 300,000 US gallons of water in an attempt to stop any damage due to acoustical sound energy. This should give you a hint into the massive amounts of energy that are needed for such a launch to take place, and the intense amounts of sound and light energy that are released during these launches. It may be a very good idea to take some form of ear protection with you to the launch, and certainly don’t forget your sun glasses.
The engines begin to roar at T minus 6.6 seconds.
The main engines ignite in a sequential fashion and the water from the sound suppression system shoots into a huge volume of steam. At T minus 0 seconds the main space shuttle solid rocket boosters are ignited and the space shuttle is ready for launch. These rocket boosters are not able to be turned off when they have started, but there are a number of abort modes that deal with a potentially large number of launch failure situations. This aspect of the space shuttle launch procedure has improved a lot since the Challenger space shuttle disaster in 1986. Being at one of these launches is an amazing opportunity, however the feelings from this disaster can still be felt. Even as a spectator, the launch of a space shuttle can be a dangerous and unsettling event. By making sure you are wearing a good pair of shades you can keep your eyes safe from any bright flashes from the space shuttle engines.
After the main shuttle engines have started firing but the rocket boosters are still clamped down, the whole launch stack of tank, boosters and shuttle sinks down about two metres. It then takes about 6 seconds for the boosters to go back into their original shape, come to a vertical position and then ignite. The space shuttle launch has now taken place. The main engine burn that ensues is a violent and bright reaction that could potentially hurt the retinas of your eyes. If you have a pair of persol sunglasses, then don’t forget to put them on – then stand back and enjoy one of the most amazing spectacles you will ever see.