Ascent

Photographic documentation of a Space Shuttle launch plays a critical role in the engineering analysis and evaluation of each mission. Motion and Still images enable Shuttle engineers to visually identify unusual events and conditions requiring corrective action to ensure mission safety and success.

This compilation of film and video was shot mostly on 16mm film at extremely high-speed to give a super slow motion effect when replayed at 24 frames per second. It is also hypnotically beautiful. Strap in.



The video was produced by Matt Melis at the Glenn Research Centre.

Beautiful, beautiful. Magnificent desolation.

NASA have uploaded some great pics to flickr, I suggest you check them out.

Booster loose

Stunning footage from one of the pair of Shuttle booster rockets as it disengages and falls to earth. The sound was captured using a contact mic - remember in space nobody can hear you scream, right kids? And the sometimes ethereal, sometimes violent sounds captured as the booster hits the atmosphere are great.

The whole sequence has an air of Kubrick at his best... stick around for the water impact, sheer poetry.