Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!uwm.edu!rpi!crdgw1!ge-dab!peora!tarpit!libcmp!mamab!f49.n363.z1.FIDONET.ORG!Mike.Pompura
From: Mike.Pompura@f49.n363.z1.FIDONET.ORG (Mike Pompura)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Re: Why 3 SSME's?
Message-ID: <538.252A3A3B@mamab.FIDONET.ORG>
Date: 4 Oct 89 12:12:00 GMT
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Organization: FidoNet node 1:363/49 - NASA Aerospace Inf, Orlando FL
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I submitted a proposal to NASA and Rockwell that involved the escape 
sequence for a shuttle PES system.  
 
Basically what it was is a method of escape for the astronauts in the 
event of a Challenger-type mishap.  It was dismissed as not being cost 
effective.  
 
I suggested that the pressurized inner crew cabin be severed from any 
remaining orbiter pieces by explosive bolts <the shuttle carries a 
multitude of explosives already>, and provided with a series of drogue 
and main parachutes stowed near the front landing gear, attached to the 
inner crew cabin.  In the event of a catastrophe that renders the 
orbiter non-suitable for flight  <no fancy abort maneuvers>, the only 
other alternative for escape is either the crew abandons ship and bails 
out with parachutes <a clever task - ask any WWII bomber pilot>, or 
they remain in the crew cabin, firmly seated in their chairs - whiffing 
the O2 emergency supply, and having the PES system save their butts.
 
The explosive bolts clean off any remaining debris from the crew cabin, 
it free-falls or "tumbles" to clear the explosion zone, and implemenets 
the series of parachutes near the foreward attaching area.  They settle 
back to the earth in this aluminum tin can to either land or sea ala 
Apollo splashdown.  The sea impact represents an additional challenge 
in the form of buoyancy, but nothing to impractical.  
 
  The Challenger episode represented the extreme of an accident 
scenario...and the inner crew cabin remained INTACT untill it hit the 
ocean surface at 200 mph <give or take>.  If they had parachutes at 
this point, they could have had a better chance for survival.  
 
This is one chance that apparently the powers-to-be deam 
non-cost-effective.  
 
 I would be interested in hearing your commentsa on my PES design 
proposal.  BTW: PES= Parachute Emergency System.
 

--  
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