The last built-in hold in the space shuttle countdown is at T-9 minutes. Here's what happens once clocks start counting again. (You can view the whole countdown here)
T-9 minutes and counting
- Start automatic ground launch sequencer
- Retract orbiter access arm (T-7 minutes, 30 seconds)
- Start auxiliary power units (T-5 minutes, 0 seconds)
- Arm solid rocket booster range safety safe and arm devices (T-5 minutes, 0 seconds)
- Start orbiter aerosurface profile test, followed by main engine gimbal profile test (T-3 minutes, 55 seconds)
- Retract gaseous oxygen vent arm, or "beanie cap" (T-2 minutes, 55 seconds)
- Crew members close and lock their visors (T-2 minutes, 0 seconds)
- Orbiter transfers from ground to internal power (T-50 seconds)
- Ground launch sequencer is go for auto sequence start (T-31 seconds)
- Activate launch pad sound suppression system (T-16 seconds)
- Activate main engine hydrogen burnoff system (T-10 seconds)
- Main engine start (T-6.6 seconds)
- Solid rocket booster ignition and liftoff! (T-0)
So this is what our T-9 looks like:
T-9 - Thursday April 21
- Work, gym, cook dinner with Mitch
- Work, Bachelorette Party!!
- Finish all the details
- Haircut
- Clean the apartment
- Celebrate Easter at church!
- Visit the house!
- Get a tan by the pool, relax
- Work
- Last day at work!
- Massage!
- Deliver gift baskets
- Parents arrive at noon
- Sister (Maid of Honor) arrives in the evening
- Pool time!
- Mitch's parents and my parents meet for dinner
- 10am Rehearsal
- 4pm Mani/Pedi with my girls!
- 6pm Rehearsal Dinner
- The BIG Day!
One fundamental difference between the shuttle countdown and ours - we won't "SCRUB" this launch!
For the "latest news" check out our website: http://tiny.cc/mitchnatalie
