Some Shuttle Ascent Questions...

[trmoody0044]

Being a LONG-TIME Shuttle enthusiast, with a very special concentration on the technicalities of the Launch phase, I just now, I know after ALL THESE YEARS!, discovered this amazing forum! So many amazing technical questions asked and answered over the years, it actually hurts me to know that this was occurring without my knowledge!

Anyway, I'm actually working on a fictional launch story from the perspective of the operators in Firing Room #4 and the controllers in the White Flight Room and had some pointed questions if anyone out there is still answering them:

There is a point during the ascent, nearing MECO, following the BOOSTER call "3G Throttling on 3, FLIGHT" where the GC calls out "Handing Up"...does anyone know what this means?

Also soon prior to MECO, one of the controllers calls out "Fine Count." I'd like to know 1) what this means as well and 2) which controller makes this call.

And while I'm at it, just following MECO, as the Flight Director is going through Plus X and PITCH Deltas, he  asks if "Tail Only Control" is required...I'd also like to know what this is if anyone out there knows...again thanks.

[Jim]

And while I'm at it, just following MECO, as the Flight Director is going through Plus X and PITCH Deltas, he  asks if "Tail Only Control" is required...I'd also like to know what this is if anyone out there knows...again thanks.

Not using the forward RCS

[trmoody0044]

Thanks Jim for the quick reply...just a quick follow-up. When would there be a condition where "Tail Only Control" would be required? In other words if they didn't have the Forward RCS, they'd have much bigger problems than worrying about Tail Only Control, right? Or is this just a case of the Forward RCS still being tied up from the recent Plus X and Pitch? Something like that?

Sorry to be so persistent about this...thanks for any help.