Thirty seconds into the flight
The three liquid fuel main engines beginning to throttle back
Three-step-fashion to seventy-two percent of rated performance
Reducing the stress on the shuttle
As it breaks through the sound barrier
Houston now controlling the flight of-
The international research mission finally underway
- Roger will
Now rolling on to the proper asmuth
For a thirty-nine degree inclination to orbit
Shuttle in a heads down, wings level position
For the eight and half minute ride to orbit
Thirty seconds into the flight
The three liquid fuel main engines beginning to throttle back
Three-step-fashion to seventy-two percent of rated performance
Reducing the stress on the shuttle
As it breaks through the sound barrier
Sound-sound-sound barrier