Training: Water Landing Survival
Project: ET2 Architecture?

Training facility consists of a large pool with a mock-up of the passenger cabin of the spaceplane in the middle, above the water. Emergency landing in the sea will be simulated and the crew will train to get out of the spaceplane as quickly as possible. First, emergency oxygen system is demonstrated, and then an emergency exit will be simulated. Chain of events:

1) familiarization with flight suit (insulated and fireproof; integrated inflatable life jacket; velcroed pockets containing emergency rations, flask of water, small first aid kit, Swiss army knife, flashlight, signal whistle; military boots; flight helmet with built-in intercom; oxygen system connected to helmet)



2) emergency oxygen system demonstrated (closing visor opens oxygen valve)



3) emergency exit run-through (detach safety belts; open hatch; slide down inflated rubber slide; inflate individual vest; attach yourself to other passengers)





4) repeat 2-5 times! last run-through will be with lights off and fog/smoke pumped throughout cabin. use of oxygen system is practiced here.



[info from Space Tourism, by Michael Van Pelt; images from iss.jaxa.jp and www.ksc.nasa.gov]

YouTube video of astronaut survival training:

Thu, Nov 29, 2007  Permanent link

Sent to project: ET2 Architecture?