{"id":38835,"date":"2017-04-03T22:52:43","date_gmt":"2017-04-03T14:52:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp-productionenv-bjg9h2g2bgg5b8aa.southeastasia-01.azurewebsites.net\/news\/slc-41-completes-ees-installation-ahead-of-starliner-missions\/"},"modified":"2017-04-03T22:52:43","modified_gmt":"2017-04-03T14:52:43","slug":"slc-41-completes-ees-installation-ahead-of-starliner-missions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/news\/slc-41-completes-ees-installation-ahead-of-starliner-missions\/","title":{"rendered":"SLC-41 completes EES installation ahead of Starliner missions"},"content":{"rendered":"

An Emergency Egress System (EES) has completed its installation into the Crew Access Tower (CAT) at Space Launch Complex -41 (SLC-41) in preparation for Atlas V launches with Boeing\u2019s Starliner spacecraft. The EES is a vital element for all crew launch vehicles, with the SLC-41 EES working with the traditional \u201cslide wire\u201d concept.<\/p>\n

SLC-41 EES:<\/p>\n

The requirement to have an Emergency Egress System (EES) is not just for the astronauts set to ride uphill from the launch pad, but also for the engineering teams who\u2019s role includes working up close and personal with the rocket in the final days of the pad flow.<\/p>\n

\"2016-10-13-183511\"ULA began evaluating options for SLC-41 during a period Atlas V was catering for two crew-capable vehicles options, namely Starliner \u2013 or CST-100 as it was known \u2013 and Sierra Nevada Corporation\u2019s (SNC) and their Dream Chaser spacecraft.<\/p>\n

\u201cDifferent options for emergency egress. Detailed hazard analysis of the launch operations is a key determinant,\u201d noted the since-retired Dr. George Sowers, ULA VP for Human Launch Services, during a Q&A session with NASASpaceFlight.com members in 2012. \u201cWe have the option of implementing a shuttle-like slide wire system if required.\u201d<\/p>\n

Although Atlas V is still hoping to launch Dream Chaser missions, the spacecraft\u2019s role has been refocused on cargo missions. The EES option will still be employed for pad crews tending to the spacecraft. However, the highlighted role will be for astronauts riding on the Starliner.<\/p>\n

The historical heritage of the EES hardware has mainly been based around utilizing a fairly simple, gravity-powered systems with a requirement to be passive\/unpowered, in case the emergency cut power to the pad. However, each option had a different take on a similar theme.<\/p>\n

\"\"The first EES for the Saturn V used the existing launch tower elevators to evacuate crew and\/or engineers to the base of the Mobile Launch Platform, before transferring to a \u201cslide tube\u201d that led in an underground rubber room\/sealed blast room \u2013 which remains in a preserved condition at Complex 39. (Large photo collection available on L2 \u2013 LINK).<\/p>\n

A second system was added a few years later, adding the option of a single cab on a slide wire that egressed the astronauts outside of the pad perimeter \u2013 known as the Blast Danger Area (BDA) \u2013 2,400 feet away from the pad. From there, they would enter a sealed bunker and await rescue.<\/p>\n

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This slide wire system was expanded by the time the Space Shuttle began its service for NASA, with extra emphasis on the pad EES, not least because a pad abort was not possible via the vehicle, due to the lack of a LAS.<\/p>\n

\"\"Engineers installed five slide wires to the launch tower \u2013 later expanded to seven \u2013 with baskets that could hold up to four people each.<\/p>\n

These slidewires ended at the same Apollo bunkers outside the BDA, where personnel could wait out the disaster or transfer to an armored vehicle (M-113) and drive to a triage site where they could be met by rescue personnel.<\/p>\n

The slide wire option remained relatively unchanged throughout its career with the Space Shuttle Program (SSP) and was thankfully never required or used in anger.<\/p>\n

It was used \u2013 mostly uncrewed \u2013 during emergency drills carried out on occasions such as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), allowing the crew to practice their evacuation plans.<\/p>\n

\"\"With ULA working on SLC-41 during regular Atlas V missions, this week\u2019s announcement that a final test of the pad\u2019s EES has been conducted is another step towards seeing US astronauts launching from the Cape.<\/p>\n

\u201cULA is absolutely focused on the safety of the crews we will be supporting and although we hope to never use it, we are excited to announce the Emergency Egress System is fully operational,\u201d said Gary Wentz, Vice President of Human & Commercial Services.<\/p>\n

\u201cThrough our partnership with Terra-Nova, a company that designs and builds zip lines for recreational use, a modified, off-the-shelf product has been designed and constructed to meet our needs and reduce costs, while maintaining reliability and safety.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"The egress cables are situated on level 12 of the Crew Access Tower (CAT), 172 feet above the Space Launch Complex 41 pad deck and will allow the crew to evacuate the CAT quickly to a landing zone more than 1,340 feet from the launch vehicle.<\/p>\n

The EES can accommodate up to 20 personnel, including ground crew and flight crew.<\/p>\n

ULA noted that Terra-Nova, LLC (makers of the ZipRider Hybrid) offered a commercially developed EES based on their \u201coff-the-shelf,\u201d patented designs.<\/p>\n

The ZipRider was easily adaptable to ULA\u2019s specific needs while offering an unmatched safety record, and providing the best overall value.<\/p>\n

\"\"With Boeing\u2019s Chris Ferguson \u2013 a former Shuttle commander \u2013 enjoying a test ride on the system ahead of its installation at SLC-41, it takes just 30 seconds for the rider to reach a top speed of 40 mph. The riders control their speed by releasing pressure on the handles, with the ability to glide to a gentle stop at the landing zone.<\/p>\n

There are 30 feet of springs on each cable located in the landing area to gradually slow a rider down if they forget to brake. Terra-Nova will install a training system located north of the CAT for riders to practice on before final training on the operational EES.<\/p>\n

\u201cCrew safety is paramount, and the ULA emergency egress system hits the mark for an effective yet simple system that is adapted from other commercial applications,\u201d said Commander Ferguson, Boeing director of Starliner Crew and Mission Systems.<\/p>\n

See Also<\/h4>\n