Why did the Gemini Launches Make a Bwooping Sound?

Ғылым және технология

NASA's Gemini missions launched on Titan II missiles, notable for a very strange sound at the moment before launch.
Even rockets need a little help getting off the ground. Start cartridges get the fuel and oxidizer flowing into the combustion chamber so the real fun could begin. In the case of the Titan II, that start motor made an oddly distinctive booping sound.
For a little more on start cartridges and the Gemini-Titan rockets, check out the latest blog post over on Vintage Space: www.popsci.com/why-titan-rocke...
Want more Vintage Space? Subscribe to the blog, find me on Facebook, Google+, Instagram, and Twitter as @astVintageSpace.

Пікірлер: 721

  • @eddyquick
    @eddyquick6 жыл бұрын

    I was a Titan II engineer. I noticed a trivial mistake. The start cartridge is like a shotgun shell. It explodes to create the gas that causes the turbine to start spinning. The sound you hear is the turbine spinning up. That starts the APU (using the hypergolic combustion) which pumps the fuel and oxidizer into the combustion chamber. The APU is like a small rocket engine and, if you can find a high quality video or picture, you can see the exhaust from the APU as the rocket rises.

  • @jacklassiter2181

    @jacklassiter2181

    6 жыл бұрын

    Actually, it deflagrates (burns); it does not explode (which is detonation).

  • @37VQV

    @37VQV

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thats not correct. An explosion is generally defined as a rapid expansion in volume of any kind. If the expansion is supersonic its regarded as a detonation, if its subsonic then its deflagration.

  • @jessealvarez779

    @jessealvarez779

    5 жыл бұрын

    That makes sense, it sounded more like a mechanical cranking, i.e. the turbine starting, than an electronic "bloop".

  • @massimocrisologo4497

    @massimocrisologo4497

    5 жыл бұрын

    Geez how old are you

  • @tomwilliams8675

    @tomwilliams8675

    5 жыл бұрын

    I like Amy's explanation better even though yours might be correct. She looks so cute making the rocket noise.

  • @ddbrock9675
    @ddbrock96758 жыл бұрын

    The Titan II "bwoop" is one of my favorite sounds ever.

  • @Fluffy_666

    @Fluffy_666

    3 жыл бұрын

    We need a Titan II bwoop compilation

  • @Rithik_Kumar

    @Rithik_Kumar

    Жыл бұрын

    Me too

  • @navelriver

    @navelriver

    Жыл бұрын

    It is the Titan's way of saying "It's showtime!"

  • @ddbrock9675

    @ddbrock9675

    Жыл бұрын

    @@navelriver 🤘

  • @lohphat
    @lohphat8 жыл бұрын

    At my age, I sound like that when I wake up too.

  • @lancecombes

    @lancecombes

    8 жыл бұрын

    lol!

  • @rich1051414

    @rich1051414

    7 жыл бұрын

    Lol! It does sound like a kid whining about something they don't want to do.

  • @theJellyjoker
    @theJellyjoker9 жыл бұрын

    Because that is the sound a happy rocket makes! :)

  • @myownidenity4955

    @myownidenity4955

    3 жыл бұрын

    Or a turbo on a internal combustion engine

  • @twistedyogert

    @twistedyogert

    3 жыл бұрын

    *"BWOOP, LET'S GO!"*

  • @tomcline5631

    @tomcline5631

    3 жыл бұрын

    Happy rocket!!!! I actually giggled when I read this!!

  • @olivergs9840
    @olivergs98406 жыл бұрын

    As a historic plane nut, I immediately recognised the cartridge sound from watching Canberra bombers in both the US and UK types start-up. They still use cartridges, but have much smaller and lighter turbines, so they have a much higher noise.

  • @joek12569
    @joek125697 жыл бұрын

    I am 67 years old and grew up watching and closely following each launch, I still retain that interest. I love your videos, and especially like the one explaining the sound that the Gemini-Titan II first stage engine turbo-pumps made. I always loved that sound! Keep up the good work!!

  • @Afterburner
    @Afterburner6 жыл бұрын

    I worked for Aerojet for many years and had the opportunity to sit 700 feet from a Titan first stage at the test stand in Sacramento and when the engine fired we heard a big bang then the engine rumbled to life a few seconds later. It was amazing to experience it in person and in proximity to the engine. I saw many tests over the years there at the Sacto plant and trust me, nothing compares to a big engine or motor firing.

  • @seitch1
    @seitch18 жыл бұрын

    Please say "Bwwooopp" again!

  • @amazingdiyprojects
    @amazingdiyprojects7 жыл бұрын

    I don't know how you pull it off; rapid, informative, straight to the point and still entertaining! Well done, thanks!

  • @monelfunkawitz3966
    @monelfunkawitz39666 жыл бұрын

    For like two and a half years my text notification sound was your “bwooooop!” noise. 😆

  • @rogersfuller4797
    @rogersfuller47976 жыл бұрын

    Love your videos, Amy. I am 62, and remember all of this, but it never ceases to amaze me what more I learn from watching your work. Awesome.

  • @briansnyder8494
    @briansnyder84948 жыл бұрын

    I had forgot all about that noise. When you made the noise I snickered, but as soon as you showed the clip I remembered. Thank you for the memories.

  • @jonathanhansen3709
    @jonathanhansen37098 жыл бұрын

    I watched every manned Gemini launch as a kid, and remember hearing that sound several times. I always thought it was the sound of air being pushed through and out of the tower exhaust deflection tunnel (notice the blast exhaust goes to the left side in this video). I've thought this for 50 years and finally found out the correct answer!

  • @NipkowDisk
    @NipkowDisk8 жыл бұрын

    And I thought that noise was a rope starter all these years...

  • @lancecombes

    @lancecombes

    8 жыл бұрын

    lol!

  • @derekpierce2280

    @derekpierce2280

    7 жыл бұрын

    NipkowDisk Titan II for sale, lightly used. Cash only, fully vaccinated. Starts first pull every time.

  • @smw381st

    @smw381st

    7 жыл бұрын

    Derek Pierce SOLD lol

  • @vicfox4291

    @vicfox4291

    6 жыл бұрын

    LOL imagine being that guy.

  • @barthchris1

    @barthchris1

    6 жыл бұрын

    LMAO!

  • @danbell3378
    @danbell3378 Жыл бұрын

    I love your channel! I was a boy of 6 during the Gemini days. In fact, we lived in Houston! I can never look back to my early years without Gemini and Apollo showing very prominently. Sure miss those days! I never was a a sports fan. The Astronauts were my team! To a young boy, they were 9' tall and bullet proof. I can't agree more with you about Pete Conrad. I'll bet he was a real cool guy to hang around with! Never a dull moment around him, eh?

  • @GTXDash
    @GTXDash9 жыл бұрын

    I love how the space shuttle sounds when it's main engines fire. At first it's just a mess of a noise but a few seconds in it changes into a consistent more pleasing whooshing sound as the engines stabilize moments before the booster ignition.

  • @Platyfurmany
    @Platyfurmany8 жыл бұрын

    That sound is very similar to tractor trucks that use an air motor to start their engines. It sounds almost exactly like the air impact-wrenches you hear at a tire service center.

  • @williamsaltiel-gracianmph613

    @williamsaltiel-gracianmph613

    8 жыл бұрын

    +Edward Cabaniss Right you are! That sound is the venting of the drive gases.

  • @Petefx86
    @Petefx862 ай бұрын

    Love that sound. Also the LR-87 was one of the coolest engines of it's time. Could run on three different fuels with modification.

  • @OpenRoader
    @OpenRoader8 жыл бұрын

    My new favorite YT channel!!!!!

  • @davidcarlson3425
    @davidcarlson34258 жыл бұрын

    Great to know what that sound was. I remember hearing that when I watched the Gemini-Titan launches as a kid. A great memory!

  • @MattThompsonOnGoogle
    @MattThompsonOnGoogle9 жыл бұрын

    Nope, you did a wonderful bwoop! I had never heard it before until you did one yourself. Now I'm going to listen for it every time.

  • @caseytaylor1487
    @caseytaylor14872 жыл бұрын

    You should definitely demonstrate that sound a few more times!

  • @jeffreylindsey1757
    @jeffreylindsey17573 жыл бұрын

    You did a great job explaining the starting sequence on the Titan 2. Thanks!

  • @ljdean1956
    @ljdean19569 жыл бұрын

    You explained it well. I recall hearing that odd sound in several Gemini Titan launch videos and though I was a Titan troop in the military (1980-83), I never got to witness a Titan II launch and here that noise live. I recall the start carts as we used to call them. But I was mainly electronics and guidance (E-lab) and didn't work on propulsion systems.

  • @twistedyogert
    @twistedyogert7 жыл бұрын

    The start cartridge sort of reminds me of the Coffman starters that were used to start large piston driven aircraft engines.

  • @Bill23799

    @Bill23799

    7 жыл бұрын

    Didn't they use Kaufman starter in the film " Flight of the Phoenix. "? Are they like a big shotgun shell?

  • @233kosta

    @233kosta

    7 жыл бұрын

    Yup, they're Coffman starters though, OP is right on this one Fastest way to get the engine spinnin' :D

  • @twistedyogert

    @twistedyogert

    6 жыл бұрын

    I recently read that there were also smaller versions of the shells used to start up diesel engines in tractors such as the Field Marshall.

  • @tomcline5631

    @tomcline5631

    3 жыл бұрын

    That's exactly what it is! It's a gas cartridge,fired to initially spin up the fuel pump turbine.

  • @andrewpettola6097
    @andrewpettola60979 жыл бұрын

    Nice sound effects! Very nice job explaining how hypergolic fueled rockets work.

  • @richardmattocks
    @richardmattocks8 жыл бұрын

    Perfectly explained, and now I can't miss it!

  • @bissonFamily
    @bissonFamily8 жыл бұрын

    Great explanation! I've watched nearly every watch video from Mercury through Apollo (several times) and never noticed this sound on Gemini. And now, thanks to this video, I can't help but notice it. Thank you for unclogging my ears, lol.

  • @Beemerboy324
    @Beemerboy3246 жыл бұрын

    You did fine. I already knew about the reason for the sound and your explanation was excellent. An onboard start cart.

  • @pepecohetes492
    @pepecohetes4927 жыл бұрын

    As a kid, I followed many of the launches and missions of NASA, from the early Mercuries to the Apollos. Nostalgic to think how much was accomplished and achieved in such a short time. Great video.

  • @clintonsmith6538
    @clintonsmith65383 ай бұрын

    I served in the US Air Force at Patrick Air Force Base, just south of Cocoa Beach, from November 1963 until mid 1966. I was the driver and aide to the Commander, 6555th Aerospace Test Wing and as such I attended all of the Gemini-Titain launches at Cape Kenndy. I also got to meet most of the astronauts.

  • @timothyhanner8118
    @timothyhanner81184 жыл бұрын

    I love your videos. Great job explaining this. Hope you start posting more videos soon.

  • @jeffjordan2538
    @jeffjordan2538 Жыл бұрын

    I grew up during those space days! Never missed a launch on TV or a splashdown! So much fun!

  • @John-ci8yk
    @John-ci8yk Жыл бұрын

    A question I never even thought to ask, thank you and thumbs up on the video.

  • @cablemodemtech
    @cablemodemtech8 жыл бұрын

    I've always wondered what that sound was! Thanks for telling us!

  • @Oldag75
    @Oldag75Ай бұрын

    You explained it superbly !

  • @alexandrecgoulart
    @alexandrecgoulart7 жыл бұрын

    I did knew about cartridges for jet engines startup, but i've never think of them for starting a turbopump and making this funny noise. hahahaha Thank you, for another excellent video, Amy!

  • @Gkitchens1
    @Gkitchens15 жыл бұрын

    This is one I have actually wondered about. Thank you!

  • @Kalibr85
    @Kalibr857 жыл бұрын

    Great channel!!! So cool to find another vintage space geek like myself.

  • @daefx2802
    @daefx28027 жыл бұрын

    bit late to the party for this one, but thanks for the video Amy. I've watched a lot of old launch videos over the years and wondered exactly what that obnoxious noise was. I used to have an old beat up chevy that made exactly the same noise when i turned the motor over. thought it was a slipping belt but now i know it was the start cartridge.

  • @vonderbeard1292
    @vonderbeard12929 жыл бұрын

    I love all your videos. I always learn something new.

  • @MrDoneboy
    @MrDoneboy6 жыл бұрын

    I was in kindergarten when we watched the launch of Apollo 7 in class here in Houston, Tx. First manned Apollo flight, of course. I doubt if you were around then, but I sure can appreciate your knowledge of our space program history!

  • @CockatooDude
    @CockatooDude7 жыл бұрын

    It's funny how massive a difference there is in the launch between the lightheartedness of the "bwoop" and the violence of the rest of the launch.

  • @BrianSu
    @BrianSu7 жыл бұрын

    Great explanation. Thanks.

  • @edwardhearon4623
    @edwardhearon46235 жыл бұрын

    Love the giggle after describing and making the "bwoop" sound.

  • @mikem5043
    @mikem50433 жыл бұрын

    This is the kind of spaceflight trivia I love to learn about!

  • @benjames6431
    @benjames64319 жыл бұрын

    That was an excellent impression!

  • @JeffGR4
    @JeffGR48 жыл бұрын

    I always subconsciously noticed that Titan II missile ignition sound, but somehow attributed it to being the result of relatively primitive rocket engine technology. Another great informative video from Amy!

  • @pilotbell407
    @pilotbell4077 жыл бұрын

    Good job explaining!

  • @michaeldavis8999
    @michaeldavis89998 жыл бұрын

    Very clear. I have wondered about that since I was a child. Thank you.

  • @larrywhite6179
    @larrywhite61798 жыл бұрын

    I thought you explained it very well and very precisely. Made perfect sense to me and I am FAR from a rocket scientist. Well done Amy!

  • @PlasmaCoolantLeak
    @PlasmaCoolantLeak7 жыл бұрын

    All those years ago watching Gemini launches and never asked why the noise. Thanks, Amy!

  • @beagle7622
    @beagle76227 жыл бұрын

    Great stuff: not enough info around on this fascinating subject or the brilliant people involved except for some Appollo and shuttle. Keep it up.

  • @kenbobca
    @kenbobca6 жыл бұрын

    Great video, thanks for the explanation.

  • @davidranlet5019
    @davidranlet50195 жыл бұрын

    1:44 Bwoop....best sound ever. I need a t shirt made that just says Bwoop on it. Favorite episode of Vintage Space.

  • @davidmicalizio824
    @davidmicalizio824 Жыл бұрын

    Love your content!

  • @ghrey8282
    @ghrey82827 жыл бұрын

    You did great! Thanks.

  • @f3600
    @f36008 жыл бұрын

    just found about your channel. Love what your doing ! Thx!

  • @James-kd5oe
    @James-kd5oe6 жыл бұрын

    Love your videos thanls for doing them.

  • @JohnMassari
    @JohnMassari7 жыл бұрын

    Great explanation.

  • @ChristopherUSSmith
    @ChristopherUSSmith6 жыл бұрын

    "I'm not a rocket scientist, but I talk about it on KZread." That reminds me of an old pain reliever ad. :) BTW, excellent sound effect. :D

  • @gordonjustin4787
    @gordonjustin4787 Жыл бұрын

    Thank You for this video presentation. I did not know what caused that sound. It made a cool sound ! Thank you again.

  • @EricIrl
    @EricIrl9 жыл бұрын

    Starter cartridges have been used in aviation for many years. Watch a typical 50s jet such as a Canberra (or its American version, the Martin B-57) start up and you'll see and hear the cartridges light up. They produce a lot of thick black smoke although in a rocket launch the smoke would be overwhelmed by the much thicker rocket exhaust.

  • @jleveille2
    @jleveille22 ай бұрын

    Thank you for the explanation I appreciate it

  • @mjfw10
    @mjfw108 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the videos. I am glad that I found them. I grew up watching all of these space adventures. I did a quick search of your videos and did not see one about how Gordon Cooper lost all of his instruments while in orbit and had only his watch and manual control to bring him down safely. Could you research that flight and do a video?

  • @kenhayashida4654
    @kenhayashida46548 жыл бұрын

    Nice job Amy! Your videos are excellent!

  • @MrChrisKnowlton
    @MrChrisKnowlton8 жыл бұрын

    Great job!

  • @rlicon1970
    @rlicon19705 жыл бұрын

    Cool video. Thx Amy.

  • @robyrobyroby12345
    @robyrobyroby123459 жыл бұрын

    Was that the same fuel/oxidizer combo as the LM ascent stages? Your "bwoop" impression was spot on, of course.

  • @AmyShiraTeitel

    @AmyShiraTeitel

    9 жыл бұрын

    robyrobyroby12345 I'm not sure it was the same combination but yes, it was hypergols. I think the SPS engine on the CSM was as well. When I'm not in New Horizons mode I'll look into it and maybe do a video on what fuel/oxidizer combinations were used where. Not the sexiest topic but interesting!

  • @TheTornado121

    @TheTornado121

    9 жыл бұрын

    robyrobyroby12345 Yes that was the same fuel. It was also used by the Descent Propulsion System of the LM and the Service Propulsion System of the CSM.

  • @craigs.1608

    @craigs.1608

    8 жыл бұрын

    Love your 'bwoop' impression, AST, but on most videos it sounds to me more like a skidding automobile just before the crash!

  • @marynollaig4124

    @marynollaig4124

    2 жыл бұрын

    It was said it be, but the Apollo 17 ascent module left no flame or smoke. Riddle me that?

  • @yassassin6425

    @yassassin6425

    Жыл бұрын

    @@marynollaig4124 It was operating in a vacuum.

  • @loachoh6a
    @loachoh6a4 ай бұрын

    Good stuff!! Thanks.

  • @marksimpson3206
    @marksimpson32069 жыл бұрын

    SO Good ! Thanx!

  • @JamesHaney
    @JamesHaney9 жыл бұрын

    ALWAYS happy to be enlightened by Amy Shira Teitel !

  • @guyjones4936
    @guyjones49367 жыл бұрын

    Amy, I have two comments. The first one is simple....I am so glad that you make these videos, you are pleasant to listen to, you explain things in a form that non-engineers can follow and you always seem to be having fun. My second comment is a bit irrelevant but here goes...I think you are cute as a doll. As a 50 year old man, having grown up entirely in the "Space Age", the topic can get really dry and technical. You brighten up the topic with a lovely smile, a sweet personality and a very attractive appearance. I can always look forward to your videos and know I will enjoy them on many levels! Keep up the great work!

  • @ill1066
    @ill10667 жыл бұрын

    Memories! so many memories. Titan 1 & 2 Engine specialist 1962-1968

  • @angelaracino6236
    @angelaracino62366 жыл бұрын

    Great job

  • @rocketman48
    @rocketman486 жыл бұрын

    I really enjoy your space site thanks for all info for 2017 I wish you a happy Christmas and onwards to the new year,Bill from Ireland.

  • @rockyblacksmith
    @rockyblacksmith9 жыл бұрын

    Although this was very interesting, the best part of the video is your facial expression after imitating the sound.

  • @scottb721
    @scottb7218 жыл бұрын

    Some aircraft used starter cartridges to get their engine running when conventional starting equipment wasn't available.

  • @HarryStoltz

    @HarryStoltz

    6 жыл бұрын

    Say my name...

  • @TheBurlisonBoys
    @TheBurlisonBoys6 жыл бұрын

    Love that sound !!

  • @furyiiiplate
    @furyiiiplate7 жыл бұрын

    Found this while searching for Hot Staging, but I have wondered what that sound was for decades... just didn't know how to to describe it... I thought it was more of a Fwoop than a Bwoop... but Thank You.

  • @ConfusedRaccoon
    @ConfusedRaccoon7 жыл бұрын

    That bwoooop sound is up there with the Thermite rail track welding sound in my top sound list.

  • @absentmindedprof
    @absentmindedprof7 жыл бұрын

    You nailed the sound. Kewl!

  • @KendallByrd
    @KendallByrd9 жыл бұрын

    Love the Glen Coco tank!

  • @timothybrummer8476
    @timothybrummer84768 жыл бұрын

    It wasn't the start cartridge but mainly the turbo pumps winding up to speed which made the noise. I heard plenty of them on Titan IIIB launches at Vandenberg. In real life it sounded like a jet engine starting up super fast. BTW the start cartridge was like a small solid fuel rocket.

  • @brucegoodwin634
    @brucegoodwin6348 жыл бұрын

    With some background in aerospace & physics, I say darn good explanation in 2.5 minutes! Keep 'em coming…balls 8!

  • @prel91
    @prel918 жыл бұрын

    Your a natural at this girl!

  • @grandicellichannel
    @grandicellichannel2 ай бұрын

    I am an hydroelectric engeneer and an enormous fan of rockets. And thusly, for a men like me, that whistle is as satisfying as mindblowing, if I think at the crazy revs these Gemini-Titan turbines were used to spin before the ignition in order to produce such a noise!! ❤💪🏻✨️

  • @RGL01
    @RGL017 жыл бұрын

    I always loved that sound!!!!

  • @Bill23799
    @Bill237997 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Amy. The Lance missile I worked with in the US Army also used a hypergolic fuel system. We used unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine ( UDMH ) as our fuel and inhibited red fuming nitric acid ( IRFNA ) as our oxidizer. We did not make any BWOOP noise when we launched haha. we used something called a SPGG ( pronounced speegee ) , which was a Solid Propellant Gas Generator. After the Safe/Arm switch was thrown and then the Safe/Fire switch ignited the SPGG which created great presure forcing the fuel and oxidizer to meet in the engine. And Boom.....combustion. Actually it was really 2 engines. We had one engine inside another engine. The main engine was the booster engine which burned was more powerful and got the missile off the ground and going mach 3 before it cleared the launcher. Then after the booster cut itself off the sustainer engine at the core of the booster would continue as long as the monitor programmer had programmed it to in order to reach the target. No, we didn't have a BWOOP at launch but she sure did give a mighty ROARRRRRRR.

  • @csmimaging
    @csmimaging8 жыл бұрын

    First watch on one of you videos, I subscribed. You should feel special. Great explanation on something interesting.

  • @leosypher9993
    @leosypher99936 жыл бұрын

    It sounds awesome

  • @SynchroScore
    @SynchroScore7 жыл бұрын

    Now that you mention it, it makes perfect sense. The sound is almost identical to that made by a diesel engine equipped with compressed-air start.

  • @vanstry
    @vanstry3 жыл бұрын

    I remember that noise! (Yes, I'm that old) always wondered what it was. Thanks!

  • @MrRandomcommentguy
    @MrRandomcommentguy5 жыл бұрын

    Love how the ignition on a Titan is instantaneous. There's a much longer delay on non-hypergolic fueled engine startups

  • @jamiegodman715
    @jamiegodman7159 жыл бұрын

    I honestly had never heard the sound before, very interesting.

  • @erictaylor5462
    @erictaylor54627 жыл бұрын

    Loved it. I had wondered about that sound. I always assumed it was fuel pumps.

  • @donaldey3796
    @donaldey37969 жыл бұрын

    Good job

  • @Zoomer30
    @Zoomer308 жыл бұрын

    Something that I always noticed about Titan Gemini launches. Especially on the Gemini launch where they had the engine cutoff, you hear that sound or something like it twice after shutdown (clearly not the same reason for the sound, probably just a tank dumping pressure).

  • @NetRolller3D
    @NetRolller3D6 жыл бұрын

    Early Falcon 9s using Merlin 1C engines also apparently made a sound like this on main engine startup. It's quite audible in the Flight 2 webcast. Apparently the V1.1 and later Falcons no longer make this sound, probably because of a redesigned startup procedure for the Merlin 1D.

  • @Marcells44
    @Marcells447 жыл бұрын

    First of all, thank you for your clear, concise, and well docuented videos. It is an absolute pleasure to continuously learn about space and the technology to reach it. Second, I'm french, so I wonder, is there any plans for a bit slower rate of speech (if it is sayable) in your future videos ? :) Anyways, thanks again and I sure will continue to follow you anyways.

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