I would think the cleats/Micky mouse plug looking things would be so they can "lock" their feet/legs into position for launch so they don't move around with all the G forces applying to them.

Right now they're doing the US Exceptional W*nkery. Murica! Superiority! (Oh and even as I write this they literally referenced American Exceptionalism, everyone do a shot).

Meanwhile the demented kiddie fiddler they elected president is busy doing what he does best, screwing (the global economy) without consent.

SaltyNZ: Right now they're doing the US Exceptional. Murica! Superiority! (Oh and even as I write this they literally referenced American Exceptionalism, everyone do a shot).

@SaltyNZ:

 

Right now they're doing the US Exceptional W*nkery. Murica! Superiority! (Oh and even as I write this they literally referenced American Exceptionalism, everyone do a shot).

 

Meanwhile the demented kiddie fiddler they elected president is busy doing what he does best, screwing (the global economy) without consent.

 

Let's keep the politics out of this and focus on the scientific achievements.

Wow countdown on now 11.20 

Thanks for the reminder.

freitasm:

 

Let's keep the politics out of this and focus on the scientific achievements.

 

Fair, sorry.

90 seconds before they got to supersonic... Just shows how massive this rocket is compared to say the Falcon 9!

Have to admit heart stopped for a bit as it climbed and the angle looked as if it was heading back downward. Really amazing, may they come back safe. 

Eva888:

 

Have to admit heart stopped for a bit as it climbed and the angle looked as if it was heading back downward. Really amazing, may they come back safe. 

 

The flash from main engine cutoff and second stage startup gave me a quick flashback to watching the Challenger disaster on TV as a kid. :-/

Challenger did flash past. Suspect there will be many more heart stopping moments until they are safely back. Wonder when they can show inside the capsule and crew again and if this is possible. 

Yes.  For a few second they showed outside the capsule and there were two small orbs of light below the capsule but the picture switched off to blue screen. Did anyone else see that?