The Sun Probe was launched from Cape Kennedy's Space Centre. The launch was monitored from the Solar Control Centre, Colonel Benson and his staff were in block D9.
The Launch Sequence[]
- 35 Minutes to lift-off - Solarnauts to take-up boarding position.
- 34 Minutes to lift-off - Ground checks complete, Solarnauts embark.
- 24 minutes to lift-off - Solarnauts take-up lift-off positions.
The crew on their way to the cabin
The lift moves up the Sun Probe rocket
Solarnauts take-up lift-off position
- 22 Minutes to lift-off - Module check, radio check.
- 19 Minutes to lit-off - Orange alert, clear launch area.
Orange alert panel
Truck and Ambulance leaving area
Air freight lorry
- 15 Minutes to lift-off -Thrust Checks, sound amber alert.
Amber alert button
Thrust Ignition button
Thrust check
- 11 Minutes to lift-off - Thrust checks complete (Green), 20 million lbs. thrust steady.
15 million lbs. and rising
Thrust checks
20 million lbs. thrust and steady
- 10 Minutes to lift-off - Gantry retraction.
- 60 seconds to lift-off - Release fuel injections.
Gantry
Fuel lines retracted
Fuel injector in lowered position
- 10 Seconds to lift-off - Commence final countdown.
- 8 seconds to lift-off - Release cord.
Commence final countdown
Cord
Cord released
- 4 seconds to lift-off - Full power.
- Lift-off.
Full power
Lift-off
Sun Probe heads-off into space