Countdown from T-minus 10 seconds before launch on a wide shot of Space Shuttle Endeavour sitting on launch pad 39A. Close up of the main engines as they ignite. Beautiful wider shot of the pad, almost in silhouette with the morning Sun bursting into the lens from a golden sky. Exhaust gases billow outwards through the flame trenches as Endeavour lifts off. Wide shot from the VIP stands with spectators and the countdown clock in view. A closer shot of the Shuttle, partially obscured by exhaust clouds, emerges from them and climbs into the sky on a column of fire, seen from an even wider view which pulls back as the Shuttle rises. Two black birds fly through the shot. The clip cuts to an onboard view - and moisture can be seen streaming across the lens as Endeavour performs its roll programme and the sunlight tracks around across the silicon tiles of the vehicles underside. Telephoto tracking shot of the lower end of the Solid Rocket Boosters and a further shot of the main engines glowing. A second view from the camera on the external fuel tank. |