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From: henry@utzoo.UUCP (Henry Spencer)
Newsgroups: net.space
Subject: Re: rescue capability
Message-ID: <6424@utzoo.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 22-Feb-86 20:12:49 EST
Article-I.D.: utzoo.6424
Posted: Sat Feb 22 20:12:49 1986
Date-Received: Sat, 22-Feb-86 20:12:49 EST
References: <8602170318.AA25485@s1-b.arpa> <8602181610.AA02089@mitre-bedford.ARPA>, <611@smeagol.UUCP>
Organization: U of Toronto Zoology
Lines: 19

>     1.	Does the shuttle orbiter utilize the same docking collar
> 	specifications as Apollo?

No, a shuttle carrying a docking system (none have so far, for lack of
need) would use the international standard docking system, agreed on
between the US and USSR some years ago.	 I believe it's pretty much the
same as the one the Soviets use right now.

>     2. Was much thought given to the possibility of a stranded shuttle?
> 	I presume launching a second shuttle was an option...

That's why the shuttle carries "beach ball" rescue spheres for those
astronauts not fitted for space suits.  You'd need a lot of luck in the
timing, unless launch rate really picks up from the 1985 experience, though.
Right now (ignoring the suspension of launches since the Challenger disaster)
the odds of a second shuttle being ready in time aren't good.
-- 
				Henry Spencer @ U of Toronto Zoology
				{allegra,ihnp4,linus,decvax}!utzoo!henry