Roll Maneuver
Space shuttle Discovery begins her Roll Program, turning the vehicle 180° so it ascends to orbit in a “heads down” position. Here the Roll Program gives a perfect view between the External Tank and the orbiter.
Staging Progression
About two minutes after liftoff in a sequence called “staging”, Discovery’s SRBs (Solid Rocket Boosters) separate from the External Tank to begin their parachute-controlled decent to the ocean below for recovery. (Click image to view larger.)
VAB Liftoff
Shedding over 20,000lbs of propellant (both solid and liquid) every second, space shuttle Atlantis (STS-132) clears the tower as seen from NASA’s Vehicle Assembly Building.