Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!mips!apple!han
From: han@Apple.COM (Byron Han)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Re: Airlock location on spacelab missions
Message-ID: <53768@apple.Apple.COM>
Date: 7 Jun 91 21:51:32 GMT
References: <6369@ns-mx.uiowa.edu>
Distribution: usa
Organization: Apple Computer, Inc.
Lines: 22

In article <6369@ns-mx.uiowa.edu> bheil@scout-po.biz.uiowa.edu writes:
>When flying the SpaceLab habitable module, where is the airlock located?  Since
>they are looking at the seal and insulation that came loose on the payload bay
>doors how would they exit to the payload bay to close the doors manually if
>that became neccassary?

From the Space Shuttle Operators Handbook, the airlock is moved outside the 
cabin area and the tunnel is connected to it.  

I have heard that there is a problem when flying the SpaceLab lab module 
when closing the doors manually - the EVA crew cannot reenter the orbiter 
(cannot get past the SpaceLab module with the doors closed) because the
door closing mechanism is at the aft end of the payload bay.
They would presumably minimize activities, go EVA and close the doors, and
IMMEDIATELY start reentry.
-- 

Byron Han, CommToolbox Emir       Our CEO makes more than yours...            
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