A countdown is a sequence of backward counting to indicate the time remaining before an event is scheduled to occur. NASA commonly employs the term "T-minus" during the preparation for and anticipation of a rocket launch, and even "E-minus" for events that involve spacecraft that are already in space, where the "T" could stand for "Test" or "Time", and the "E" stands for "Encounter", as with a comet or some other space object. Other events for which countdowns are commonly used include the detonation of an explosive, the start of a race, the start of the New Year, or any anxiously anticipated event. An early use of a countdown once signaled the start of a Cambridge University rowing race. The first known association with rockets was in the 1929 German science fiction movie Die Frau im Mond (English: Woman in the Moon) written by Thea von Harbou and directed by Fritz Lang in an attempt to increase the drama of the launch sequence of the story's lunar-bound rocket.
A countdown is a carefully devised set of procedures ending with the ignition of a rocket's engine. Depending on the type of vehicle used, countdowns can start from 72 to 96 hours before launch time.
Countdown, in comics, may refer to:
"Countdown" is the sixth by Japanese singer Hyde, and the first single from his second solo album Faith.
It was released on 5 October 2005, and was Hyde's first solo single since 2003. This is the first single co-produced by Hyde and K.A.Z and charted at #1 on the Oricon ranking charts the week it was released.
The B-side to this single is "Evergreen (Dist.)", a rock version of Hyde's very first solo single that was also featured on his first solo album, Roentgen (released March 27, 2002). Countdown also featured in Moero! Nekketsu Rhythm Damashii Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan 2, a Nintendo DS game.
Sunshine, you heal as much as you hurt
With regret in my veins and blood on my shirt
Sure must have had myself a personal best
It takes filling my lungs up with smoke
To get things off my chest
Now, I'm crossing the border
Wasted again
With a number
From a Canadian ten
Oh Mother, oh Mother
Why must you complain
I grew up alright
So don't be ashamed
My mouth has been cleaner
And I may have lost all my faith
Til I believe in myself
I can't give my conscience away
And you're home with the dishes
And I'm out with my friends
Placing bets
With a Canadian ten
And North of the border
A sin is a sin
When you pay
With a Canadian ten
I've searched for a reason to not search for you
I feel like there's no place I haven't been through
I told myself 'don't fall in love if you don't know their name'
But my eyes are straight wired to my heart
And bypass my brain
Sometimes I'm forgetful
So I'll start at the end
And call the number
On this Canadian ten
And call the number