The Machine

Mr John Bolton is a modern day hero loved by many- fighting for the West.

Space Shuttle Main Engine Ignition in Slow Motion

Closeup, slow motion of SSME (Space Shuttle Main Engine) startup (no audio).

Several things to note:

* The "sparks" are igniters meant to burn off excess hydrogen gas during engine start but before main stage (full power) operation. Without these, a large cloud of explosive hydrogen and air could form under the Shuttle. If it exploded, it could damage the Shuttle structure or knock off tiles. These sparks DO NOT "ignite" the rocket engines. Engine ignition is accomplished by an internal "blowtorch" of fuel and oxidizer in each engine, which is ignited with spark plugs!

* Notice that the engines start in a sequence which is about 120 milliseconds (a touch more than 1/10 second) apart. They do not start at the exact same time.

* At engine start, the engines are moved (gimballed) away from each other because they jump around during start. If they were too close, they might collide.

* The engine steering hardware is hydraulically "disconnected" from the engines during start so that the engines can bounce around without breaking the "steering linkages".

* During engine start, before full power is reached, the exhaust (flames) disconnect or separate from the nozzle interior, causing violent thrust vector movements and misalignments. This is what makes the engines jump and wobble during startup.

* After the engines are fully started and running, the hydraulic steering is re enabled and the engines are steered toward proper liftoff angles.

NASA Pics from the last Endeavour Shuttle. Part I

Beautiful pictures taken in space aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour. Click on each picture to get the full effect. Just stunning I had to share! Enjoy. :D Sep 16 2007

Trailer "The dream is alive"