On launch day, astronauts usually wake up four hours before launch. They enjoy a pre-launch breakfast, then get suited up in their orange Advanced Crew Escape Suit (ACES) space suits. After they are suited up and ready to go, the astronauts walk out from the Operations at Checkout Building at the Kennedy Space Center and climb into the Astrovan, which takes them to the launch pad. At the pad, the astronauts ride an elevator to the 195-foot level, where the close-out crew helps each astronaut board and strap into the shuttle. After that, the astronauts wait about two and a half hours until launch.
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Before takeoff, astronauts undergo extensive training to prepare for their mission. This includes simulations of the space mission, physical fitness training, medical check-ups, and learning how to operate the spacecraft and equipment. They also undergo final briefings, safety checks, and suit-up procedures on launch day.
The rocket journey to space is intense and thrilling. Rockets undergo a series of stages, including takeoff, acceleration, and reaching orbit. During this journey, astronauts experience high g-forces and vibrations, before eventually reaching the weightless environment of space.
The Apollo 13 mission experienced an explosion during takeoff in 1970. An oxygen tank in the service module ruptured, causing the explosion that led to a critical situation for the crew. Thankfully, the astronauts were able to safely return to Earth after a challenging series of events.
Twelve astronauts have walked on the moon before 1970 as part of NASA's Apollo program.
Some dangers associated with a space shuttle takeoff include potential malfunctions or failures of equipment, which could result in loss of control or catastrophic accidents. There is also the risk of exposure to high levels of acceleration forces, which can be harmful to astronauts' health. Additionally, the presence of flammable fuels during the launch process poses a risk of explosion.
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