Path: utzoo!utgpu!cunews!mitel!testeng1!stanfiel
From: stanfiel@testeng1.misemi (Chris Stanfield)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Re: Launching a Space Shuttle
Keywords: launch, countdown
Message-ID: <7738@testeng1.misemi>
Date: 29 Apr 91 19:15:59 GMT
References: <1991Apr26.154621.1@vf.jsc.nasa.gov>
Reply-To: stanfiel@testeng1.UUCP ()
Organization: Mitel CAE Services
Lines: 25


In article <1991Apr26.154621.1@vf.jsc.nasa.gov> oliver@vf.jsc.nasa.gov writes:
>This post is intended to provide a little background into why space shuttle
>launches are processed the way they are.  I'm going to try to not get too
>detailed so forgive me if I leave out your favorite launch activity.

	stuff deleted

> Also, the crew is not allowed to spend more than 2 1/2 hours on
>their backs before launch, so when the crew is inserted into the Orbiter plays
>a port as to how long the hold times can be extended.

I am interested in this 2.5 hour time limit for the crew. Has this
always existed for manned flights? I thought that some of the early
manned flights had the crew in the capsule (long time ago!) for
longer than 2.5 hours prior to lift-off. Also, this limit must have an
effect on the actual launch window. No matter how long the launch
window is, if the crew are in the orbiter, then the launch window ends
.5 hours after the scheduled lift-off (the crew enters 2 hours before
lift-off, right?). So, am I right about the above? Any of it? Facts
are welcome, flames are pointless.

Chris Stanfield, Mitel Corporation: E-mail to:- uunet!mitel!testeng1!stanfiel
(613) 592 2122 Ext.4960
We do not inherit the world from our parents - we borrow it from our children.