Shuttle Reference Manual Mission Events Summary

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Terminal Count
Extends from T minus 20 minutes through SRB ignition.

First Stage
Extends from SRB ignition through SRB separation.

Second Stage
Begins at SRB separation and extends through main engine cutoff and ET separation.

Ascent Abort Modes
Abort may become necessary if there is a failure that affects vehicle performance.

Manual Thrust Vector Control
Substitutes inputs from RHC for automatic commands from Guidance.

Orbit Insertion
Following MECO, one or two propulsive thrusting periods move the vehicle to the desired orbital altitude.

On Orbit
Guidance, navigation and control during orbit phase.

On-Orbit Checkout
The day before deorbit, the crew performs a checkout of systems used during entry.

Deorbit
Phase includes deorbit burn preparation through descent to 400,000 feet.

Entry
Phase begins at 400,000 feet and ends at touchdown.