Launch: Maximum Thrust

Video footage was recorded by NASA engineering and television cameras. Motion stabilization of long range shots provides stunning close-up views of the spacecraft in flight. Audio was taken from multiple shuttle launches. Microphones positioned near the launch pad and aboard the orbiter captured the roar of the engines firing, the rush of air as the shuttle accelerates, and the explosive boom of SRB separation. The soundtrack also includes communications among the shuttle astronauts during the ascent. The opening provides a slow motion view of the space shuttle ignition sequence. At T-0 an explosive charge releases the SRB hold down posts from the Mobile Launcher Platform. The rockets are ignited and liftoff occurs.