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Author
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Topic: Safe distance from a launching shuttle
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DC10 Luxury Liner
Member Posts: 11
From: Wichita, Kansas USA
Registered: Aug 2009
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posted 08-23-2009 08:52 AM
   
I probably have too much time on my hands to have thought about this but I was curious, just how close to the pad could one be during launch and survive? I'm assuming if you're outside the SSME and SRB exhaust plumes you'd experience a lot of noise and vibrations, but how far does the heat footprint travel? What would happen if you were in a sheltered area inside the MLP, FSS, or the innards of the pad itself? I'd assume all get pretty hot though if I remember correctly there are rooms and hallways inside the MLP that seem to survive so I'm not sure what the heat factor would be there. I think you'd get knocked around by the sound concussions though... |
MarylandSpace
Member Posts: 1336
From:
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 08-23-2009 09:50 AM
I can remember how intense the exhaust was and how the flame deflectors and bricks on the pad got severely damaged on a recent mission.Excellent question. There are great and knowledgeable minds on this website and curious questions that benefit us all. We learn here every day. |
randy
Member Posts: 2176
From: West Jordan, Utah USA
Registered: Dec 1999
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posted 08-23-2009 11:08 AM
If memory serves, the viewing stands for the Apollo launches were about 3 miles from the launch pad. I would think it is the same for shuttle launches. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 08-23-2009 11:14 AM
The three mile viewing restriction is only in case of an on-pad explosion.An emergency response crew is positioned about one mile from the pad inside M-113 armored personnel carriers. During Apollo, the crew could escape to a padded bunker below the MLP. |
GACspaceguy
Member Posts: 2475
From: Guyton, GA
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 08-23-2009 12:03 PM
Always wondered what the abort scenario would have them use the M-113 armored personnel carriers? Would this be after they used the escape baskets? How would they get to the carrier and what would be going on at the pad that would cause them to use this escape method? |
Bob M
Member Posts: 1745
From: Atlanta-area, GA USA
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 08-23-2009 12:23 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Robert Pearlman:
An emergency response crew is positioned about one mile from the pad inside M-113 armored personnel carriers.
Here they are, but were standing outside for a better view!  |
DC10 Luxury Liner
Member Posts: 11
From: Wichita, Kansas USA
Registered: Aug 2009
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posted 08-23-2009 12:35 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Robert Pearlman:
During Apollo, the crew could escape to a padded bunker below the MLP.
I remember seeing photos of that, I believe they called it the rubber room. It was a round room, seats with restraints around the circumference. I was always under the impression it was in a bunker at the end of the slide wires though, not under the MLP. I believe it's still there though not used by the shuttle program. |
Rob Joyner
Member Posts: 1308
From: GA, USA
Registered: Jan 2004
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posted 08-23-2009 12:37 PM
Charlie Bolden says during the Shuttle Launch Experience (at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex) intro that from 800 feet the sound will kill you! |
DC10 Luxury Liner
Member Posts: 11
From: Wichita, Kansas USA
Registered: Aug 2009
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posted 08-23-2009 12:45 PM
The heat and exhaust would probably do you in that close if the sound doesn't. Again though I wonder how the inner halls and rooms of the MLP survive and just how hot it gets in there.I always have to chuckle when I watch Apollo 13 and see Gary Sinese so close to the pad during the launch sequence. I understand creative license but that looked way too close for a shuttle launch let alone a Saturn V! |
edmk5000
Member Posts: 49
From: Homestead, FL USA
Registered: Apr 2005
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posted 08-24-2009 09:26 AM
How about the wildlife?As a kid, I remember wondering if there are hoards of deaf or cooked critters found around the pads after launch. I took the KSC tour the day after STS-126 and saw steam-scorched plant material a considerable distance from 39A. |
DC10 Luxury Liner
Member Posts: 11
From: Wichita, Kansas USA
Registered: Aug 2009
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posted 08-24-2009 10:53 AM
I wonder how one would fare if they happened to be in the ECS room at liftoff.... |
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