Watching a missile rise from its platform and disappear into outer space seconds after count-down is an exciting sight and one that is not easily forgotten once witnessed. Because any of a thousand reasons can keep this missile from ever lifting off the ground, I've tried to show in my painting the importance of the human element. People busily engaged in test and check out, analyzing and correcting whenever necessary, until every part is ready for countdown. Success of a mission is measured greatly by what is accomplished in preparing for launch.