It's called the ''twang'' or ''nod''. The main engines on the shuttle aren't pointing straight down ,so when they start it pitches the top of the launch vehicle over about 2 metres at cockpit level. The SRB's still connected to the launch pad during the 'twang'', flex back to the vertical at which point they ignite and the shuttle is launched. All of this takes about six seconds between main engine start and launch.
The first part where Discovery clears the tower was STS-51C but the second part where they are watching Discovery from an airplane several miles away was STS-41D.
Check out the two flights on YouTube and you will see how the Sun was positioned for each flight.
thats pretty cool its amazing how the whole shuttle just dont fall over
kawasakikx250ff 1 year ago
@kawasakikx250ff yup..eight bolts hold the whole thing down til SRB ignition
oreoweb6 8 months ago
i love this movie
gfinn08 1 year ago
I remember seeing this at the IMAX theater at the Space and Rocket Center at Huntsville, AL when I was in Space Camp.
TheMrDeist 1 year ago
hopefully i b in that cockpit one day
guitarruler1453 1 year ago
Wow - I swear it swayed back and forth before the SRBs started!
george7378 1 year ago
@george7378
It's called the ''twang'' or ''nod''. The main engines on the shuttle aren't pointing straight down ,so when they start it pitches the top of the launch vehicle over about 2 metres at cockpit level. The SRB's still connected to the launch pad during the 'twang'', flex back to the vertical at which point they ignite and the shuttle is launched. All of this takes about six seconds between main engine start and launch.
ATPL74 1 year ago
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Dear All,
I have some questions about psychology:
(1) Why do we want to travel to space?
(2) Why do we feel that space exploration is so exciting?
(3) Why do we enjoy the feeling of zero gravity and floating in the space?
(4) Why do we think that space travel and space exploration is a kind of "American Dream"?
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE for your creative ideas and brainstorm!!! :)
applesweeter 2 years ago
Woah this is briliant, I would love to see longer version if that "long range liftoff view".
Armuotas 2 years ago
kick ass thing! :D
dalefantom 2 years ago
yeaa i saw this when i was like 7 or 8 on my first visit to Kennedy Space Center, really inspiring movie
Longfire3000 2 years ago
@Longfire3000 Same with me! I got my hands on a blu ray version of this movie...gives me the chills every time I watch it!
endz420 1 year ago
The first part where Discovery clears the tower was STS-51C but the second part where they are watching Discovery from an airplane several miles away was STS-41D.
Check out the two flights on YouTube and you will see how the Sun was positioned for each flight.
BTW, this was an excellent video.
Uleski 3 years ago 6
Jeopardy knowledge!
maeseatila 3 years ago 3
@Uleski Dude.....u know your shit! :)
Graphicstodiefor 1 year ago
This is Discovery, but the launch is STS-51C on January 24, 1985. It was a Department of Defense mission.
silverback1g 3 years ago
i saw this as a little kid, it inspired me to become an astrophysicist. amazing movie - thanks for the clip!
nysef816 3 years ago
Not Challenger, its Discovery STS-41D
EndeavourLaunch 3 years ago
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first time i've seen any other footage of the challenger other than it blowing up
smokeyguy 3 years ago
thats a cool video. hopefuly I will be doing the exact same thing one day
pyro1a 4 years ago 12
God willing, you will
jackjohnbob 3 years ago 2
I remember when I first saw this, it was awe inspiring.
aranarthspanish 4 years ago 3
That was sweet.
A550RGY 4 years ago 4