I have seen quite a few shuttle launches over the years. In fact, I think I have seen so many launches that I now come to take them for granted. I imagine most people do the exact same thing. Nowadays, shuttle launches have become pretty commonplace. However, over the past couple of days I have come been reminded of the awesome power of these launches.
Asher’s First “Space Ranger” Launch
I thought Asher would enjoy seeing Sunday night’s launch. I showed him the video on YouTube and he has been asking to see it three or four times-a-day ever since. Each time I watch the Discovery launch I am just more amazed at the pure, raw, and awesome power of a shuttle launch.
The narrator helps to provide some startling statistics.
- Thirty seconds into the flight, the shuttle is traveling at 365 mph and is 1.5 miles in altitude.
- One minute and twelve seconds into the flight, the shuttle is traveling at 1800 mph and is 10 miles in altitude.
- At liftoff, the shuttle, external tank, and two boosters weigh 4.5 million pounds.
- At liftoff, the total thrust equals 6,425,000 lbs.
- The twin boosters alone provide 5.3 million (of the 6 mil.) pounds of thrust.
Those are mind-boggling numbers! To be honest, I cannot wrap my mind around them.
The Video
Here is a video found on YouTube that shows the launch. I hope you enjoy it as much as Asher and I have.


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2 users responded in this post
WOW…
I have yet to see a launch but hope to one day!
Those numbers are indeed staggering… wow.
I know, crazy stats for sure!
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