This is a sure sign of serious trouble. The rocket was traveling in a corkscrew pattern as the remaining attitude control system attempted to stabilize it. The trail becomes thicker and straighter at the left edge of the photo, where the second stage ignited and the first stage separated. The second stage worked correctly, but it was not able to make up the deficit from the first stage.

Trouble Begins ASTRO-E Launch The Aftermath

A service of the Astrophysics Science Division (ASD) at NASA's GSFC Astronomy Questions? Ask an Astrophysicist. NASA-specific Questions? Try the NASA Homepage Download helper applications like Acrobat Reader. Privacy Policy and Important Notices. Responsible NASA Official: NASA Official: Phil Newman Last Updated: Friday, 08-Jul-2005 01:21:06 EDT