Since nobody's posting.
"Alright, mission control. Give me a go-no go for launch. Booster."
"Go."
"Procedures."
"Go."
"EECOM."
"Go."
"CAPCOM."
"Go, flight."
"Retro."
"Go."
"GNC."
"Go."
"TELMU."
"We're go."
"INCO."
"We're go, flight."
"Recovery."
"We're go."
"Launch control, we are go for launch."
(For those confused as to what those terms mean, go
here)
MEANWHILE AT THE LAUNCH SITE
"T minus ten seconds and counting."
People watch from a safe distance.
"Nine."
Nitrogen ice falls off of the rocket, crashing onto the concrete below and sublimating into vapor.
"Eight."
The crewman performs final launch checks, a switch here, a button there.
"Seven."
The rocket shudders, the fuel pump detaching from the main tanks.
"Six. Ignition sequence start."
The massive "Mainsail" engine on the bottom of the craft spits out smoke, seeming almost like a dragon, waiting for ignition.
"Five."
People start putting binoculars to their eyes, quickly focusing on the rocket.
"Four."
The ground begins to shake.
"Three."
The launch clamps at the top disengage, leaving the stress of the launch to those near the center of mass and at the bottom.
"Two."
The Mainsail ignites, causing the ground to shudder for about 500 feet.
"One."
The launch clamps disengage entirely, and the rocket starts to gain speed.
"We have liftoff!"
Nitrogen ice cascades down the rocket's sides as it clears the tower.
Ten minutes later
"Prepare for main engine cutoff and stage separation."
The rocket jettisons its lowest stage, the now-empty orange fuel tank falling to the ocean.
"Stage two ignition."
The five engines powering the second stage ignite, pushing the rocket to even higher velocities.
T+15 minutes after launch
The second stage detaches, and the third stage engines push the rocket to a 470 km circular orbit.
The empty third stage is subsequently jettisoned.
Deorbiting power is left completely to the reentry vehicle.
T+30 minutes after orbit is attained
The pilot goes on an EVA to check the condition of the spacecraft, checking the heat shield and parachutes specifically.
T+20 minutes after the pilot goes on EVA
The pilot returns to his spacecraft and prepares for a well-deserved rest.
