[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> Not necessarily. Numerous launchers, including several ICBMs could deliver
> payloads to the Columbia's orbit in a pinch to extend its mission.
> Eventually, another shuttle could have been readied, or a Russian launch site
> been moved south for a rescue mission. A lot of Apollo 13 type engineering
> would have been needed to make things do things they weren't designed for
> (doing EVA's in cabin space suits, for instance), but I think it could have
> been done. With lives at stake,it certainly could have been tried. If a
> repair kit could have been devised and delivered, the Shuttle itself might
> have been saved, providing cost justification as well as humanitarian
> justification.
I'm not sure how long it would take to swap "payload" on an ICBM, but
it's not designed or programmed for orbital delivery. It's likely not
a reasonable option.
"Moving" a Russian launch complex? How? Where? It's just not practical
in the time available.
They're only rescue option was turning Atlantis in time to rendezvous.
It might have been possible. It might have caused another accident
that cost both shuttles.
The in-cabin suits are supposed to handle vaccuum and should have
portable environment units so they can egress the vehicle. Atlantis
has a CanadArm that could act as a "fetcher". Alternately, the MMU
packs or equivilent could be used to ferry the Columbia crew back to
Atlantis. The trick would have been what to do with Columbia after. It
can't be remotely piloted (like the Buran) so either someone would
have to start the deorbit sequence and leave quickly or it would have
to be jury-rigged for remote execution. Otherwise it comes down on
it's own - and no telling where.
Michael
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Michael Wallis KF6SPF (408) 396-9037 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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