NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NASA's Launch Services Program gives the 'go' for launch!

The launch team members assemble at their computer and communication consoles about three to four hours before the launch.

The NASA launch director is the highest authority during the countdown and provides NASA's "go/no-go" decision to the mission director.

Before launch the NASA launch director will check with the launch team to make sure all the launch criteria are being met and the L-1011, Pegasus XL rocket and payload are ready to go.

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Chuck Dovale, NASA Launch Director
The launch director ensures that the countdown and launch decision processes are properly followed.





James S. Wood, NASA Chief Engineer
The chief engineer is responsible for advising the launch manager of the launch vehicle's engineering and analysis status for launch.





John Calvert, Mission Manager
The mission manager serves as the primary interface between the spacecraft and the launch vehicle.





Shannon D. Bartell, Director Safety and Mission Assurance
The chief safety officer is responsible for spacecraft and launch vehicle overall safety, quality and assessment of the launch countdown.





Joe Lackovich, NASA advisory manager
The advisory manager provides consultation for assessing the launch process and countdown.



NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center