1:10:02
Let's get at it. Anything further from
intelligence? Not since that last report.
1:10:06
Can I have your attention,
please, gentlemen?
1:10:09
As you know, the projected
launch date for the Eclipse...
1:10:12
was to be in the middle ofJuly.
1:10:14
Major Gifford here
was going to man the capsule.
1:10:17
However, the Russians
have thrown us a curve.
1:10:21
Oh, thank you.
1:10:24
Here it is.
1:10:26
In exactly 48 hours,
1500 Greenwich time...
1:10:30
the Russians plan to launch
their fully-automated capsule.
1:10:34
That's bad enough, but on top
of beating us to the punch...
1:10:38
In order to fully demonstrate
the reliability of their automation...
1:10:42
their capsule will be
solely occupied by an individual who...
1:10:46
now get this...
is neither an aviator nor an astronaut.
1:10:50
This is ridiculous! They are in
fact, gentlemen, sending up a dentist!
1:10:56
They must be kidding! A man with no
experience in space technology whatsoever.
1:11:01
I don't get it.
It's very simple.
1:11:03
They're going to show the world
that their automated capsule...
1:11:06
is so foolproof,
they can send anybody up in it.
1:11:08
- Scotty, what's the story on Eclipse?
- We've got a vehicle ready.
1:11:12
We can mount Eclipse on it
and be ready for launch in 36 hours.
1:11:15
- Bob, how 'bout weather?
- C.A.V.U. will hold, all down the range.
1:11:18
That would give us a
12-hour jump on the Russians.
1:11:21
Now our most pressing problem
is finding the man to take this ride:
1:11:27
The least qualified individual
you can possibly think of.
1:11:31
In other words, the last man on earth
that you would send into space.
1:11:38
Sir, I have a suggestion.
1:11:41
Ten, nine, eight, seven...
1:11:45
six, five, four, three...
1:11:49
two, one,
ignition, blastoff!