Launch

Launch is a multiplayer map featured in Call of Duty: Black Ops.

Overview
Launch is set in a Russian Cosmodrome, and features a Soyuz rocket taking off in the background. At some time during the game (set randomly), the rocket will take off, and set alight and kill anyone located beneath the rockets engines. In Search and Destroy, target A is located under the rocket. In Demolition the A bomb-site is located under the rocket. The B flag will also be located under the rocket in Domination.

Trivia

 * In the trailers related to this map, it is always possible to see a rocket launching in the background.
 * This is the first map in the Call of Duty series to feature an actively changing environment.


 * This map seems to resemble the Call of Duty 4 multiplayer map Ambush, both maps have an elevated roadway in the center, ditches, and narrow alleyways with small buildings on either side.
 * Before the Rocket launches, one can hear an alarm, and someone speaking Russian through a loud speaker.
 * If the player is under the rocket when it launches they will be killed.
 * The rocket cannot be destroyed by Valkyrie Rockets like in the campaign.
 * It is possible to see a second rocket launching at least a minute before the one in map does, possibly Soyuz 1, as in the campaign Soyuz 1 takes off in the background before Soyuz 2, (the one that the player must shoot down). This can easily be seen via spectate or theater mode behind the launch pad and a little to the right.
 * When the rocket takes off everyones screen will shake violently until the rocket has reached a certain altitude.
 * If one looks at the rocket after it takes off, it simply disappears in a short time.
 * It is possible to get onto the scaffolding behind the rocket launchpad, giving a good sight line. This is reached by jumping from the stairs onto the scaffolding.
 * In an interview with David Vonderhaar before the release of the game, he said that the rocket would only launch if the Spetsnaz were winning. However, in the retail version it will launch regardless of which faction is winning.
 * The hooks holding the rocket let go too early, they should release when the rocket has ignition, however, they release seconds before ignition, meaning the rocket should fall. This can easily be seen in theatre mode / spectator.
 * If you jump of the launching area and land on part of the beams, you will survive. This has been exploited by a few people. However, if you jump off when you are on the glitch already, you will die.