1
00:00:02,380 --> 00:00:05,240
With the orbiter mounted securely atop
the 747

2
00:00:05,240 --> 00:00:08,060
the piggyback pair is ready to fly.

3
00:00:08,680 --> 00:00:10,219
Although the weight of the orbiter is

4
00:00:10,220 --> 00:00:12,320
well within the SCA's carrying ability

5
00:00:12,760 --> 00:00:14,700
the additional drag forces it to fly

6
00:00:14,700 --> 00:00:16,380
at much lower altitudes

7
00:00:16,540 --> 00:00:19,660
and much slower speeds than a commercial 747.

8
00:00:21,520 --> 00:00:23,820
The 747 makes its long taxi

9
00:00:23,820 --> 00:00:26,580
to the 15,000 foot Edwards runway.

10
00:00:27,260 --> 00:00:29,000
The flight crew gets takeoff clearance

11
00:00:29,000 --> 00:00:29,720
from the tower.

12
00:00:30,400 --> 00:00:33,060
The throttles are advanced and the brakes released.

13
00:00:35,940 --> 00:00:39,040
After an extended takeoff, the SCA is airborne

14
00:00:39,040 --> 00:00:41,980
and the duo climb into the desert sky