Note: Only forum leaders may delete posts.
*HTML is ON *UBB Code is ON Smilies Legend
Smilies Legend
[i]There are two emergencies that would necessitate orbital rescue: loss of the CSM's earth-return capability or the medical condition of the crew warrants it. Should either condition occur before the launch of Skylab 4 (last of the primary CSM's), the next CSM on the launch line would be converted into a rescue vehicle. If the emergency occurs after the last CSM is launched, the Skylab backup CSM would be readied for rescue ... Shortly before the rescue CSM arrives at the workshop, the stranded astronauts would don pressure suits, enter the MDA, seal it off, and depressurize it. They would then install the spring-loaded docking probe to separate the disabled craft and move it out of the way of the rescue CSM. If that separation cannot be completed, the rescue vehicle can dock at the side port, which would provide limited but adequate stay time for rescue.[/i]
[i]LEWIS: Okay, they - the rescue vehicle docks in the side port. The present CSM is in the - the end port and well, I don't think I'd want to jettison the command service module I had there if I had any capability at all. And it may be a questionably capability but I wouldn't want to jettison before I dock the other vehicle, then find out I couldn't dock the other vehicle ... when we had the rescue vehicle docked we'd jettison the CSM. The reason for ejection is to provide a capability to return on a subsequent flight to that - that end docking port. Other words, your umbilical - your power umbilical system only works through - and communications only works through that one port. It does not work through the side port. You don't have the capability in the side port you've got on the end port.[/i]
Contact Us | The Source for Space History & Artifacts
Copyright 1999-2024 collectSPACE. All rights reserved.