Hi abs,
Let's assume that you already built and equipped launch pad and the mission control centre.
Standard launch: first you have to gather 4 different collection needed to equip the rocket (sorry, I don't have my iPad with me, can't list them precisely). Sets needed to equip the rocket of 1st and 2nd pad share two items, differ in the remainder.
When you have them all, just tap the launch pad, collect all 4 items and then you'll be able to start your own launch or join to your neighbours' launches (if any available at the moment). Whatever you choose, the rocket will be placed on launch pad.
Procedure of preparing the launch lasts for 24 hours and requires to put 1600 (1st pad) or 2000 points (2nd pad) to start the rocket. Points are added from space items - AFAIR you already gathered few of them:
"Big" and fast items:
360 points = Powerful Explosive Bolt (1 minute)
120 points = Main Stabilizer (box WITH handle) (2 minutes)
40 points = Large Fuel Tank (2 minutes)
"Small" and slow items:
24 points = Explosive Bolt (thin one) (4 hours)
12 points = Additional Stabilizer (box WITHOUT handle) or Solid Fuel (2 hours)
6 points = Small Fuel Tank (20 minutes)
2 points = Liquid Fuel (10 minutes)
It's obvious that it's impossible to launch alone with e.g. solid fuel only, because you won't add enough points during 24 hours.
Only Solid Fuel can be produced in Solid Fuel Station, one can get other items only as a prize after gathering different space collections.
You have to calculate value of your points before making any decision whether to launch on your own or to join someone's launch. Launch procedure can fail after 24h - then you'll see sad stewardess Jane
If you have 1600/2000 points, especially in big and fast items you can start your own launch. If you haven't got enough points or have only "small" items, it's better to join a launch of your friend.
Launches are visible for your neighbours, so they can join your launch without asking you. It works both ways - you can ask your neighbours (via forum or FB) for help if you launched alone and can't make it.
If you want to be sure of getting 1st place you have to add at least half of the points needed. Hijack of the launch is a situation when someone joins the launch, adds more points than the originator and wins 1st place. Hijacking is very rude unless originator clearly entreated to take 1st place.
After successful launch you have to wait 24h for lander, it will be located somewhere close to the town. 1st person (with highest number of points added) gets the golden box, 2nd and 3rd - silver, 4th to 10th - bronze, next participants gets iron box. Each box contains prizes, the more valuable box, the more valuable prizes are in it.
Coordinated launch is just standard launch on settled time (Fred starts it, as he's the leader) with condition that everyone puts in equal number of points. Original intention was to check if more than one participant can get golden box, now it's just fun.
Hope my english was good enough to clarify launch procedure. Do you still need any sandbag?
EDIT: ooops, Fred was first to explain
Excellent explanation Rob!
