TRANSCRIPT OF LAST SECONDS

Words from space shuttle Challenger were all routine through the first 60 seconds of flight. Here is a transcript:

Mission Control: 10-9-8-7-6, we have main engine start, 4-3-2-1 and liftoff. Liftoff of the 25th space shuttle mission. And it has cleared the tower.

Pilot Michael Smith: Roll program.

Mission Control: Roger, roll, Challenger.

Mission Control: Roll program confirmed. Challenger now heading down range. The engines are throttling down now at 94%. Normal throttle for most of the flight is 104%. We’ll throttle down to 65% shortly. Engines at 65%. Three engines running normally. Three good fuel cells. Three good APUs (auxiliary power units). Velocity 2,257 feet per second (1,400 m.p.h.), altitude 4.3 nautical miles (4.9 statute miles), downrange distance 3 nautical miles (3.4 statute miles). Engines throttling up, three engines now 104%.

Mission Control: Challenger, go at throttle up.

Smith: Roger, go at throttle up.

(Fireball occurs.)

Mission Control: We’re at a minute 15 seconds, velocity 2,900 feet per second (1,977 m.p.h.), altitude 9 nautical miles (10.35 statute miles), range distance 7 nautical miles (8.05 statute miles).

(Long silence.)

Mission Control: Flight controllers are looking very carefully at the situation. Obviously a major malfunction. We have no downlink (communications).