Launching a rocket

[Ashy]

Why ever is it that when they want to launch a rocket they always have a countdown Why not just launch it when they're ready?

[Alex]

It's to make sure they're all pedaling together Ashy. 

[klondike]

I'd guess that there is a set sequence of things that need doing at specific times by different people. No good retiring if the blue touch paper wasn't lit first.

[Raven]

There they are, searching for life on Mars. 
WHEN, we can't even take care of what we have here on Earth. 

[Scrumpy]

I hope they don't bring any foreigners back..

[Ashy]

They don't have countdowns to launch an aeroplane. they just go through a check list and go when they are ready!

[klondike]

That's just at most a couple of blokes sat next to each other. Those control rooms have scores of folks each monitoring a different bit.

[Ashy]

Then the rocket people should do what the aeroplane people do and just have to two. Any more and they get in each others' way.

[klondike]

You should contact NASA. There might be a reward.

[Sheila]

I hope they don't bring any foreigners back..

The hotels might have a spot of bother catering for them