Space shuttle launch video explanations

[sbfuller]

i just got this from a co-worker and wanted to share it.

NASA's Space Shuttle launch videos are spectacularly incredible, incredibly spectacular -- Engadget

Did you know that it takes nearly seven and a half million pounds of thrust to get a Space Shuttle off the ground and into the final frontier? NASA opts to generate that power by burning through 1,000 gallons of liquid propellants and 20,000 pounds of solid fuel every second, which as you might surmise, makes for some arresting visuals. Thankfully, there are plenty of practical reasons why NASA would want to film its launches (in slow motion!), and today we get to witness some of that awe-inspiring footage, replete with a silky voiceover explaining the focal lengths of cameras used and other photographic minutiae. It's the definition of an epic video, clocking in at over 45 minutes, but if you haven't got all that time, just do it like us and skip around -- your brain will be splattered on the wall behind you either way.

[dcopeland]

Thanks for posting!! Having had to have had the priviledge of seeing one launch at night it is an awesome sight to behold for sure!

Link to the pic I had posted of STS-128 (Discovery) launch.

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...ry-launch.html

David

[sbfuller]

watch the 38:30 mark in the video... 4000mm lens that weighs over 200 pounds... I'll take 2 please!

[dcopeland]

Yeah, I'd like to see someone try to hand hold that puppy or try to get that lens and a tripod for it in their luggage.. lol :)

David

[astrobrian]

Been getting these engineering videos for about the last 7 or 8 flights over at nasaspaceflight.com forum. No commentary but great views. Looking forward to getting back out there for the STS-133 launch as well, whenever they decide things are safe.