Many individuals contribute to the safe and successful launch of DSA Spacecraft. The official job titles and descriptions of each participant are listed below. If there is a shortage of manpower, one person can assume several roles.

• Launch processing system coordinator (LPS)
  1. Ensure astronaut is fully-prepared for launch
  2. Store any astronaut personal effects
  3. Escort astronaut to the vehicle
  4. Ensure astronaut maintains proper position for launch
• Superintendant of range operations (SRO)
  1. Perform pre-launch range survey for hazards
  2. Control access to launch pad once fueling has commenced
  3. Ensure personnel are clear from downrange before countdown starts
  4. Visual tracking of astronauts during launch and re-entry
• Safety console coordinator (SAFETY)
  1. Before fueling operations begin:
     1. Ensure master power is off/safe
     2. Ensure all flight controller hold switches are set to hold
  2. Ensure that master power switch remains on during all stages of flight
  3. Turn master power off only…
     • … at the successful conclusion of each flight
     • … if the launch vehicle threatens populated areas; OR
     • … if a loss-of-astronaut accident occurs
• Capsule test conductor (CTC)
  1. Before fueling, ensure:
     1. Pilot's Arm Switch is safe
     2. Capsule compression piston is retracted
  2. After fueling, verify that
     1. TNT distributed to all dispensers
     2. Only one TNT has been placed in each dispenser
• Tank/booster test conductor (TBC)
  1. Craft and handle TNT
  2. Load TNT into rocket dispensers
  3. After fueling, ensure that only one TNT has been placed in each dispenser
  4. Close rocket access ports prior to launch
• Ground launch sequencer engineer (CGLS)
  1. Start the countdown
  2. Read each countdown milestone over the radio as it passes
• Landing and recovery director (LRD)
  1. Ensure landing site is free of hazards
  2. Retrieve astronaut after landing
• Launch director (LD)
  1. Coordinate between astronauts, flight controllers, and other range personnel
  2. Ensure launch procedure is followed
  3. Poll flight controllers for readiness prior to countdown start
• Spacecraft pilot (MINERVA)
  1. Name your space vehicle
  2. Show up on time
  3. Don't be too drunk to fly
  4. Assume the position
  5. Try not to die. It looks bad for the program

One to two days before launch, astronauts should report to the SpaceHab for astronaut training. LPS is responsible for conducting the training. The Quarantine Area houses a complete mock-up of the Minerva space capsule. Astronauts will learn:

• The correct position for launch
• How to use the Pilot's Arm Switch
• How to receive and deploy the Parachute
• How to navigate to a safe landing

The DSA requires that all astronauts be in top physical condition prior to departure. SURGEON will administer a complete physical and ensure that the astronaut is current on all their immunizations.

At the conclusion of training, the astronaut will name their spacecraft. This is how controllers will address the spacecraft during the flight.

The next step to a successful launch is a range survey. Although the DSA's missile range is built in a remote, unpopulated area, wildlife may still pose a threat.

During polling, each launch controller should give a “go” or “no-go” for launch. Upon giving the “go,” the corresponding hold switch should be moved to the down-and-off position. The red light above the switch will extinguish. If the controller is not physically present in the control room—i.e., they are occupied elsewhere—then an adjacent controller will operate the lever.

The LD shall poll the following stations, in order:

1. MINERVA
2. CGLS
3. SRO
4. LRD
5. SAFETY
6. TBC
7. CTC
8. LPS
9. LD

If all flight controllers are “go” and no red lights are visible above the controller desks, then LD should request that CGLS commence the countdown. CGLS will then:

1. Provide a pre-count to initiate the countdown on his/her “mark.”
2. Press the green “GO” button to initiate the countdown.
3. Read the countdown events listed in the section below, as they occur.

CGLS should read the countdown aloud. When reading the countdown, read the times and milestones from the following table. Both should be read as lights are extinguished. For example, read entry for “Ground launch sequence start” immediately after the first lamp is extinguished.

At any time prior to main engine start, at T- 00:19 seconds, any controller may request that the countdown be held by

1. saying “HOLD COUNTDOWN;” and
2. moving their countdown hold switch to the up-and-on position.

CGLS should acknowledge that the countdown has been held.

After main engine start, all holds will be considered a mission ABORT. To re-start from an abort condition, the master power must be cycled off, then back on again, and the full countdown must be started from the top (i.e., T- 01:50).

After launch commit, no abort is possible, and the flight must continue.

In the event of a hold or abort, MINERVA should rotate the Pilot's Arm Switch to the down-and-off position. This action will inhibit and prevent TNT ignition, but it will not hold the countdown. In the event that MINERVA requests a countdown hold, CGLS is responsible for holding the countdown.