![]() ![]() wherein the question is posed: Was T definitely Time or might it have been Takeoff, Terminus, Termination, Triumph, Teatime, or some foreign word or esoteric term? ![]() The actual length of the countdown is longer than 43 hours as a result of seven built-in holds. If 'T' was strictly "Time" then one should expect the shuttle to launch 43 hours later, but it does not. ![]() During a shuttle countdown, the clock begins at T-43 hours (and counting). The person that manages the countdown (among other preparations) for any launch is called the "Test Director." S/he in turn, then reports to the Launch Director.Īll launches are tests, but not all tests are launches.Ĭolloquially, I think "T" became known as time, even amongst the mission control ranks, but if you think about it, it really is not a measure of time. T- X minutes and 'counting' certainly does relate to 'time'.Īs Sy was a member of the pioneers, using the "T" word long before the shuttle guys, I will go with him. In the red corner: Flight Director Mike Leinbach As the wifey is sitting nearby I have just read all these replies to her and she is a tad smug at finding a question that stumped some of us.Īs she is now converted to Space history, I have just explained who Sy is as well! I am so glad it was not an easy one to answer. We can't argue with Sy - if he says it's time, then it's time because he's been there. It took me awhile to figure that out myself, but it's a good question. ![]() It could be the start of a particular test in our Orbiter Processing Facility that is independent of the time of day. Because again, not all tests are based on time. And so, in the early days of the space program, back in the Mercury and Gemini days and, indeed, Apollo, T stood for test. I joined the space program about 20 years ago and I asked this question of my elders in the program when I did join, and it turns out that T stands for test. And so the assumption is that T stands for time. You hear us talk in the Launch Control Center about T-9 minutes, T-20 minutes, etcetera. I have always assumed that it means "takeoff," but according to Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach, it stands for "test": Abigail from Pembroke Pines: I've heard that during a launch countdown the "T" in T minus does not stand for "Time." If so, what does the "T" really mean? I would be happy to know also, that's the sort of question I dread been asked by a group of school children. I always thought it was short for Takeoff, but I'm happy to be proven wrong. It's possible that it could stand for something much more esoteric. I've always understood it as "Time." However, that's my armchair understanding. "When doing the countdown and they say T minus 10 minutes, what does the T mean?" I had no answer but am sure I know deep inside my head but need refreshing. She is not normally interested in space stuff but surprised me even more when she asked: Trouble is I was surprised when the wife took it first. Have just been out for a sit in the park and a read of Buzz Aldrin's latest book. Topic: What does the "T" in T-minus mean? Profile | register | preferences | faq | search What does the "T" in T-minus mean? - collectSPACE: Messages ![]()
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