Countdown to the tragedy

Press, 30 January 1986, Page 1

Countdown to the tragedy

NZPA-AP Houston Words from the Challenger were all routine through the 60 seconds of flight. There was silence after the spacecraft erupted into a fireball. Here is a transcript of those seconds, beginning with the countdown: Mission commentator: 10-9-8-7-6, we have main engine start, 4-3-2-1, and lift off. Lift off of the twenty-fifth space shuttle mission, and it has cleared the tower.

The pilot, Commander Michael Smith: Roll programme. Mission Control: Roger, roll, Challenger.

Mission Control commentator: Roll programme confirmed. Challenger now heading down range. The engines are throttling down now at 94 per cent Normal throttle for most of the flight is 104 per cent. We’ll throttle down to 65 per cent shortly. Engines at 65 per cent Three engines running norm-

ally. Three good fuel cells. Three good A.P.U.S (Auxiliary Power Units.) Velocity 22,057 feet per second (2252.60km/h), altitude 4.3 nautical miles (7.88 km downrange distance three nautical miles (5.47 km Engines throttling up, three engines now 104 per cent Mission Control: Challenger, go at throttle up. Smith: Roger, go at throttle up. (Fireball occurs)

Mission Control commentator: We’re at a minute 15 seconds, velocity 2900 feet per second (3180.99 km altitude nine nautical miles (16.65 km range distance seven nautical miles (12.95 km. There was a long silence.

Mission Control commentator: Flight controllers are looking very carefully at the situation. Obviously a major malfunction. We have no downlink (communications).