From: Bret Kulakovich (bret@bonfireproductions.com)
Date: Tue Feb 04 2003 - 08:39:07 MST
>>--- Artillo5@cs.com wrote:
>>
>> > Also, doesn't the shuttle have some sort of emergency eject system?
>
>Eject at 12,500 mph? Are you kidding me?
>
>=====
>Mike Lorrey
Because people keep asking, I'll submit the following. Please note
that it would not have helped one iota last Saturday. But it at least
puts the STS program in a better light.
The Inflight Crew Escape System
There are two types of aborts for the shuttle: intact aborts, and
contingency aborts. Intact means the shuttle comes back to Earth in
controlled flight and lands, "contingency" means that it does not..
In the event of needing to make a contingency abort after launch
(after a major failure by say, one or more main engines early in
ascent) the crew is supposed to utilize "the inflight crew escape
system" before the orbiter ditches.
The system involves pyrotechnic jettison of a pressure release valve,
then the main side hatch, the deployment of an escape pole, and one
by one egress of the vehicle via an attached lanyard/harness to said
pole. The pole gets the crewmember to clear the left wing (beneath)
after which they can open a parachute which is built into their crew
altitude protection suit, among other things.
The software for the orbiter can be commanded by the flight crew to
"maintain stable level flight" which will maintain conditions optimum
for bailout (15 degree angle of attack) the operation can be
conducted with no one at the helm. Obviously this assumes a health
shuttle as well.
The system is only meant to function at approx. 25,000 feet or less,
and at a speed of 230 mph (200 knots) or less.
It is practiced, and should take 90 seconds for a full compliment of
eight to bail out. Optimally, all crew are out by 10,000 feet.
Bret Kulakovich
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