'Thunderbirds are go! '
(PA) 'Attention.
'Solar control centre to all personnel.
'35 minutes to lift-off. Solarnauts take up boarding positions.'
'Ground check complete. Solarnauts embarked.'
Lift-off minus 24 minutes.
'Solarnauts taking up lift-off positions.'
- A-0K? - Check.
Solar Module to control. Commander Harris reporting.
- 'Module first check, A-0K.' - Understand. A-0K, Colonel.
Radio five by five.
Lift-off minus 20 minutes.
(Sirens wail)
Clear launch area.
'Repeat, clear launch area.'
Thrust checks minus ten seconds. Sounding amber alert.
(Sirens)
'Thrust checks minus five...
'four...
'three... '
two...
one...
Ignition.
Seventeen million pound thrust and increasing. Thrust checks green.
Less than eight minutes to go.
Twenty million pounds thrust and steady.
Gantry retraction green.
One minute 10 seconds to lift-off.
Solar Control to Commander Harris. We're all rooting for you fellas.
'Thank you, Solar Control.'
(PA) 'Sixty seconds to liftoff. Stand by to release fuel injectors.'
Stand by, Solar Module. Thirteen seconds.
Commencing final countdown. Ten...
'nine...
'eight...
'seven...
'six...
'five... '
four...
three...
two...
one... full power!
Liftoff!
Liftoff A-0K.
She looks good.
Project Sun Probe is on!
You know, a rocket launching always gives me a kick.
Especially that one, Father. A rocket to the sun!
Hold it!
'That was the Sun Probe launch a week ago.
'In one hour, we'll have live pictures from Sun Probe,
'showing the completion of this daring project,
'and shots of the rocket via tel-radio cameras.
'The object of the mission
'is to capture fragments of matter released by the sun.
'Here is Professor Heinz Bodman,
'who will explain how the Sun Probe operates.'
'Good evenink.'
Doesn't Brains want to hear this?
It's old stuff to him. He's in his workshop with his latest invention.
Now, uh, Braman,
I'm gonna test your, ah... secretarial characteristics.
Now, tell me, what are my appointments for today?
9am - monitor electronic telecast from Cape Kennedy. 11am -
check Thunderbird 2 alarm system. 1pm - have supper.
Gee, Brains, your robot is improving.
Yeah, uh, Scott. But he's late with his responses.
Well, when you're through,
there's an interesting programme about the Sun Probe on the air.
Oh, dear! Braman...
you have such a lot to learn!
If I taught you chess it might improve your mathematical powers.
'The solarnauts will release a sealed, refrigerated probe.
'The probe will fly through a prominence,
'collecting particles of matter from ze flare.
'And so we will have a piece of ze sun.'
'Thank you, Professor.
'A dangerous mission, yes,
'but protective measures guard the solarnauts
'against the sun's immense heat and radiation.
'20-foot thick walls surround the men in the cabin of the module.'
It's fantastic!
Our instruments reduce the sun's glare ten million times.
And it's still powerful.
Let's look at the limb we'll shoot at.
- We go into orbit in 38 minutes. - If we miss, we end up in the sun.
- Internal temperature rising. - Increase refrigeration two steps.
Phew! That's better.
Without that little gadget we'd simply melt away.
Brains will want to see them go into orbit.
Now, if I can only make Braman think quicker.
Yeah! That's a good move.
I'll increase the, uh, megadecibars by, say, 15 degrees.
Don't you want to watch 0peration Sun Probe?
I'd prefer to fix Braman, Mr Tracy.
He's still far too impulsive.
But they go into orbit in five minutes.
Four and one-quarter minutes, to be precise, Mr Tracy.
Say, you know the Sun Probe routine by heart.
You're not as blasé as you act!
- 0h, no, sir. - You could've fooled me!
Orbital firing, 90 seconds.
Right. How about those radiation figures, Ken?
I have them. All at phase six.
That's swell. We're gonna be 0K.
- 30 seconds to orbital firing. - Stand by to fire retros.
- 0rbital path, ten seconds. - Right. Stand by.
Five...
four...
three...
two...
one...
Retros!
(Harris) Great! We're on correct orbit.
- Check radiation and temperature. - Temperature, A-0K.
Radiation, A-0K.
20 seconds to firing time for probe.
All systems on probe are green. Ten seconds.
Firing controls are go.
Five seconds...
four...
three...
two...
one...
Ignition!
'The Sun Probe has been fired. Details will come from the spaceship.
'The tension mounts in the studio.'
Hmm...
Yeah. That shows better powers of humanistic reasoning.
So if I increase the defusory isobar rating...
Braman here should react a great deal faster.
But I guess I'll never create a robot
with a finer brain than a human.
That's checkmate, Braman.
She's going straight for the prominence.
- Sun probe entering flare now. - Standing by to fire rockets.
Five seconds...
four...
three...
two...
one...
Fire!
- It's coming out! She's turning! - We've made it.
- Let's get that probe. - And then back to earth!
'The probe has collected the matter from a prominence.
'It is now on its way to rendezvous with the main ship.
'Wait! The probe is being collected now! Look at this tel-radio picture! '
They pulled it off. They're great!
- I don't think they'll make it. - How's that?
I said, I... I... I don't think they'll make it.
- But everything's going fine. - 'Hold it. Something's wrong.
'In picking up the probe, the ship has locked its course.
'It's heading on a collision course with the sun!
'Stay tuned for more information.'
- What went wrong, Brains? - In collecting the sun probe,
the ship had to steer on to a collision course with the sun.
- But wasn't that part of the plan? - Yeah, it was.
But I realised that the radiation level that close to the sun
could interfere with the ship's control system.
- So they can't break away? - Right.
As a safeguard, the control centre on earth can send a radio beam
to fire the ship's motors by remote control.
Then why don't they do it?
They're probably trying right now,
but I doubt their beam will penetrate the radiation either.
(TV) 'Please stand by for a news flash.
'We're going over to Colonel Benson at the Control Centre
'for an important announcement.'
'All efforts to alter course
'by firing the retros by radio beam from earth have failed.
'Now I have a vital request to make.
'Lf International Rescue are watching,
'would they contact us at Solar Control Centre, Cape Kennedy.
'This is vital. International Rescue, we need your help.'
- Get me Cape Kennedy. - Yes, sir.
We'll attempt a rescue, Colonel Benson, but this is one a tough one.
(Benson) 'It sure is. Good luck.'
Gee whizz! He's playing chess while those three guys head for disaster.
I just don't dig him.
- Try the retros again. - It's no use.
The circuit's dead.
The radiation has reached an all-time high.
- Temperature's around 120 again. - Increase refrigeration.
We're too close to the sun for the radio to get through.
And getting closer.
Let's go over it again. The rocket is heading straight into the sun.
Unless we can fire the retros to make it turn round,
the solarnauts are doomed.
Well, Mr Tracy, the only solution
is for us to fire the retros by radio beam.
The radio complex on Thunderbird 3 is the obvious choice.
But Scott, its transmission range isn't powerful enough.
Thunderbird 2 has a better chance.
If both craft were at ground level.
Agreed, but in space Thunderbird 3 could get through more effectively.
- What's your opinion, Brains? - Well, Mr Tracy...
I think we're underestimating
the heat and radiation resistances of our spacecraft.
But the transmission potential of Thunderbird 2 could be tremendous.
We must make up our minds. The world is waiting for us to act,
and we still haven't made a decision.
Both craft have an equal chance of success or failure.
Let's gamble on one or the other paying off.
Gordon's hit the nail on the head. We'll launch a two-pronged rescue.
We must launch Thunderbird 3 as soon as possible.
When will that be, Brains?
The radio equipment must be modified.
But launch can take place soon after sun-up.
- Go and organise it now. - Yes, sir. I'm on my way.
Virgil, go and work out what point is best
for Thunderbird 2 to send a beam.
Grandma can get auxiliary clothing.
OK, Father.
We'll need someone to operate the beam.
All right, Alan, take Tin Tin. Launching is at 0800 hours.
We're ready. You know what to do?
- Let's hope it works. - It's got to.
It's as close as we dare go. It's your first mission, Tin Tin.
- Make it a successful one. - I'll do my best.
Take launch positions.
(Scott) FAB.
Stand by for blastoff.
Liftoff.
(Alan) 'Blastoff, A-0K. Leaving earth's atmosphere in 10 seconds.'
Coming up, Alan. See you, Tin Tin.
Yes, Scott.
(Alan) 0K, Scott, we're clear of atmosphere.
Tin Tin, get the electronics set up.
We'll be in the danger zone in 65 hours.
Yes. I've already started.
- Auxiliary clothing... - Auxiliary clothing, check.
- Snow dispersal unit... - Snow dispersal unit, check.
Better make that two. It's pretty cold out there on the mountain.
OK. And the transmitter truck?
I've already got that in the pod.
Let's take the mobile computer, too, just in case.
Ah... that's it over there.
(Virgil) Right. Will that be all?
Yeah. That's all. I'd best get straight down to the hangar now.
I'll have these fed to the pod by the automatic beltway.
Virgil, you have full clearance for launching.
Thanks, Father.
There he goes.
I must admit I was never so unsure of the success of a mission before.
Unless Virgil or Alan gets within transmission radius of Sun Probe,
the three solarnauts are lost.
Just 24 hours to go.
To crash into the sun. It's like a nightmare!
Yeah. 0ne I've had many times.
There's still time. We have a whole day before...
Before we melt to nothing! Why doesn't earth do something?
(Alan on radio) 'Solar Module from International Rescue.'
Now I'm hearing things. Was that the radio?
'Come in Solar Module, this is International Rescue.'
- It IS the radio! - Yes, sir!
International Rescue! 0f course!
'Solar Module to Thunderbird 3. Where are you? Can you help us? '
We hope so. We'll try to fire your retros.
We're two hours away from calculated release area.
Temperature is increasing. We can't go much closer.
Let's try it now.
OK. We'll see how short we are of success.
I heard that. 0perating safety beam.
Negative. We're four hours short.
Then we'll have to go much closer to the sun.
(Tin Tin) 'Can we stand the heat? '
On paper, no, but we can't abandon those guys. It's a problem.
The problem is Tin Tin. Can we ask her to risk her life?
Excuse me, Mr Tracy, I could not help but hear your words.
Tin Tin is my daughter.
I think I can say what her answer to your problem would be.
You'll say she'd go on into the danger zone.
But is it right to ask her to?
Both my daughter and I owe our lives to you, Mr Tracy.
For this reason, it IS right.
She will go with your sons.
(Bleeping)
Go ahead, Virgil.
'We've just crossed the Himalayan Mountains.
'We'll touch down on Mount Arkon in about three minutes.'
What's it like there?
Pretty stormy, Father. Pretty stormy.
Now, the ledge should be immediately beneath us.
Base from Thunderbird 2. Calling base from Thunderbird 2.
(Jeff) 'Loud and clear, Virgil.'
We're at Mount Arkon and are about to get out the transmitter truck.
- All right. - 'What's the news? '
Not very good, I'm afraid.
Their first safety beam projection failed, they're going nearer the sun.
Maybe we'll have more success here.
This should be fine. We're well clear of Thunderbird.
0K. Let's line up the transmitter beam.
We can put you in a release capsule and get you to safety, Tin Tin.
We've been through this.
Any delay increases the danger to the solarnauts.
- I'll go with you. - 'Good girl.'
- Let's try the safety beam again. - Yes, Alan. Here goes.
That's what I was afraid of. Two more hours before we're in range.
Let's hope we can stand the heat.
Let's hope we can stand the cold. How's the beam?
All set. Transmitting safety beam now.
Well, Brains, what's the position?
It's a powerful beam we're sending.
- But it's not yet powerful enough. - Is there anything we can do?
0h, yeah. 0nce I modify the tripartite transistor packs
and adjust the wiring, we can try again.
While you do that, I'll fix us some hot coffee.
I can't stand the heat.
It's so hot.
Sure you can't get any more out of the refrigeration plant?
No. Nothing is working any more.
Where's that rescue ship? It's four hours since we had contact.
We can't go closer. The hull won't stand more. Try the signal, Tin Tin.
- Tin Tin, try the signal again. - Yes...
'Try the... signal again... '
It's still short. Can't you increase the power, Tin Tin?
'I can overrun the system up to about 0.5.'
Then do that. We just can't go any closer!
(Roaring)
This is it, I guess.
The ship's breaking up.
I figured I'd be dead before it happened. It won't be long now.
Why am I still alive? Why isn't the module melting?
Say, that noise...
It's the rocket motors! They fired!
We're leaving the sun! We're gonna live!
The solar ship's out of danger. Let's head for home.
Just in time. I can't stand much more of this heat.
Fire retros.
Fire retros, Alan! It's getting unbearable!
I have. They're not working!
We're on a collision course with the sun!
'We're certain that the solar ship has been saved.
'Thanks to International Rescue for... Wait, here's more news.
'This is disastrous. It can't be true!
'According to the tracking stations, Thunderbird 3 has not altered course.
'She's heading straight for the sun! '
What's happening? They're not turning round.
- The retros must have failed! - We must get through to Brains.
Hello? Father?
- 'Bad news about Thunderbird 3.' - What's happened?
'Alan saved the Sun Probe, but the retros failed on Thunderbird 3.
- 'They're heading for the sun.' - The sun!
Brains! What are we gonna do? What are we gonna do?
Think, Brains!
If it is the case that the beam transmitter is still operating...
(Vigil) Yes?
We could perhaps - only perhaps, mind you -
neutralise the transmitter on Thunderbird 3.
Great! What's the frequency?
I could work it out on the mobile computer in Thunderbird 2.
OK. Let's get to it!
I must think... Must find the answer...
Why didn't the retros fire? Lack of power, maybe... but why?
Phew! It's like an oven in here.
The radio beam - that could cut the power.
Tin Tin, have you shut down the beam?
'Tin Tin! Can you hear me?
'Have you shut down the safety beam?
'Tin Tin! I'm coming down.'
Must get down to the lounge... Got to make it...
So hot... It's so hot!
'0nly a specially fitted ship can withstand that heat.
'Thunderbird 3 is doomed. What a tragedy.
'In saving the solarnauts,
'the gallant International Rescue crew have lost their own lives.'
I won't believe it. I just can't!
Scott, Alan, Tin Tin... They've got to get out of it!
That's it, Virgil.
0pen it and we'll work out the formula for the transmitter.
- Braman! - 0h, no!
We brought the wrong box!
Must reach the control panel...
It's no use. There's nothing we can do!
Can't you work it out on paper?
I could, but without a computer, it would take weeks.
But if you could work out Braman's mechanics without a computer, then...
Braman! Th-th-that's it! He's our only hope.
Well, let's get on with it!
What? 0h - oh, yeah.
(Clicks and whirrs)
All right, Brains. The formula!
Braman, I want you to calculate the following equation.
What is the square root to the power of 29
of the trigonometric amplitude
of 87 divided by the quantitative hydraxis
of 956 to the power of 77?
Do you understand the question?
- Yes. - 0ff you go, then.
- Come on, Braman. Come on! - Do you think it'll work?
It's got to. It's got to!
(Clicking and whirring)
Well, B-B-Braman?
Forty-five thousand nine hundred and sixty-nine.
- It worked, Brains! - I only hope it's right.
Come on, let's get back to the transmitter truck.
Base calling Virgil at Mount Arkon. Base calling Thunderbird 2.
No answer.
They probably used all their power on the beam.
Maybe you're right.
'Base from Thunderbird 2. Base from Thunderbird 2! '
Loud and clear, Virgil, where are you?
We heard your signal as we came back from the pod.
Listen, it's our only hope.
'Brains will try to jam Thunderbird 3's transmitter.'
Ready, Brains?
Yeah. I've lined the transmitter up.
Right. Go!
W-what's happened?
Hey... The retros must have fired. We're moving away from the sun!
Something's happening. I'm getting a reading from Thunderbird 3!
Me, too! It can mean only one thing - the retros.
Yeah.
The retros have fired on Thunderbird 3!
- Father? - '0K, Virgil. I heard.'
You've done a great job. I'm proud of my International Rescue team.
Head back. We'll give a heroes' welcome to Tin Tin, Scott and Alan.
Now the excitement of Thunderbird 3's homecoming is over, Braman...
let's see if my improvements on you work.
It's your move.
Checkmate!
L-I don't believe it! It can't be true!
A machine cannot have a brain better than mine!
It was a fluke. You've been working kinda hard lately.
Y-yeah. Th-that must be it.
L-I wasn't concentrating. That must be it, yeah.
Anyway, thanks for all you've done, Brains.
- Thanks, Brains. - Thanks, Brains.
Thank you.
Thanks, Brains!