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Topic: What if the Launch-on-Need needs rescue?
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Fezman92 Member Posts: 1031 From: New Jersey, USA Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 10-05-2010 12:00 PM
Here is a hypothetical situation: Let's say that there was a shuttle mission and the Launch-On-Need (LON) vehicle had to be launched. While the LON is doing it's mission, something happens to the LON orbiter and it can't return to Earth. What would happen? |
SpaceAholic Member Posts: 4437 From: Sierra Vista, Arizona Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 10-05-2010 12:03 PM
ISS Rendevouz and Soyuz ferry... |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 10-05-2010 12:25 PM
Obviously, every resource we have would be focused on returning the now two-stranded crews to Earth, but it would not be without its difficulties. Even with the space station's safe haven (CSCS) reserves, its systems would be put under strain supporting 16 people (six ISS crew members, six prime shuttle crew members and four LON shuttle crew members). Soyuz would be difficult given the number of vehicles needed and how many could be made ready in time. Assuming you need one trained Soyuz crew member on each craft, you would need five Soyuz for just the shuttle crews, and another two to either remain with (or if supplies are truly dwindled) return home the station crew members. That's at least two, if not three more Soyuz then are nominally readied yearly (Roscosmos has authorized Energia to increase to five Soyuz per year starting in 2011). There would also be issues with the lack of fitted Sokol suits and seat liners. Fortunately, the chances of two shuttles being rendered incapable of returning to Earth are low... |
SpaceAholic Member Posts: 4437 From: Sierra Vista, Arizona Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 10-05-2010 12:28 PM
My presumption is that six crew members would immediately be returned (via Soyuz) to decrease ISS loading; ramp-up of additional Progress/ATV support for sustainment. |
Jay Chladek Member Posts: 2272 From: Bellevue, NE, USA Registered: Aug 2007
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posted 10-05-2010 01:23 PM
The statistical chances of two shuttles ending up with a crippling condition to keep them from coming home are so astronomical that winning the lottery would be easier.I would say it depends on the failure. If both ended up with a form of TPS damage, then I suppose it would be possible that unless the damaged areas were identical (chances of that happening are even more astronomical) that a contingency would be found to scrounge undamaged TPS tiles from one orbiter and place them on the second one in orbit in such a way as to allow one vehicle to come home. Only difficulty I can see is only one shuttle can be docked to the ISS at one time. So if such a contingency were to take place, it would be a bit more complicated with EVAs going on while a shuttle is station keeping with the station. |
Hart Sastrowardoyo Member Posts: 3445 From: Toms River, NJ Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 10-05-2010 02:05 PM
What ever happened to the personal rescue spheres? I know they were used in training, but were they ever carried on board the orbiters? |
cspg Member Posts: 6210 From: Geneva, Switzerland Registered: May 2006
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posted 10-12-2010 12:20 AM
Assuming that STS-135 is approved and something goes wrong. ISS docking and Soyuz rescue would be the solution for the crew. But then, what do you do with a 100-ton useless spaceship docked to the ISS? |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 10-12-2010 12:50 AM
You don't leave it docked to the station. The plan calls for NASA to remotely pilot the orbiter into a destructive reentry over the ocean. |
Skylon Member Posts: 274 From: Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 10-12-2010 02:59 PM
Though they would try for an automated landing using the RCO/IMF cable stowed on ISS. They'd try for a Vandenberg AFB landing (the closest landing site to the Pacific, in the event ditching became required). |
ilbasso Member Posts: 1522 From: Greensboro, NC USA Registered: Feb 2006
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posted 10-12-2010 03:56 PM
It's interesting to wonder if and why they would try to save the orbiter when it's never going to fly again anyway. If they ditched Atlantis (Atlantis sinks into the sea again?), NASA would save millions by avoiding the cost of having to retrieve the orbiter, fly it back to KSC, and safe it before sending it on to a museum. That's what logic would dictate, anyway, but we all know that national pride would mandate bringing her back if at all possible. |
music_space Member Posts: 1179 From: Canada Registered: Jul 2001
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posted 10-12-2010 10:46 PM
Indeed. |
Lou Chinal Member Posts: 1306 From: Staten Island, NY Registered: Jun 2007
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posted 10-15-2010 10:09 PM
Jay, I don't think trying to remove undamaged TPS tile in orbit had ever been done before.But than again if it is your only option - you'll try anything. Hart, what ever happened to the 'personal rescue spheres' is a good question. Other then a few publicity photos taken with the 'TFNG' I never saw them again. Were they ever flown? |