America's Space Shuttle: Crew Escape Systems NASA Astronaut Training Manual

EXCLUSIVE from World Spaceflight News - LEARN ABOUT the SPACE SHUTTLE FROM THE TEXTBOOKS USED BY THE ASTRONAUTS! The official NASA astronaut training manuals comprise a major part of the formal flight crew training process, and are used by flight controllers as well. These internal NASA manuals are produced by the Mission Operations Directorate (Space Flight Training Division branch) at NASA's Johnson Space Center. The manuals and workbooks are extremely detailed and comprehensive, and are designed for self-study. Each is heavily illustrated with vivid line drawings, engineering schematics, and other charts and figures. A full listing of all acronyms and abbreviations used in the text is included. They provide a superb way to learn about Shuttle systems, hardware, and operational procedures. Special emphasis on crew interaction with the displays, controls, and hardware is included.

This manual covers the Crew Escape System which allows the Orbiter crew to leave the vehicle safely in an emergency during the pre-launch period, ascent, or post-landing. The escape systems include the launch and entry suit and helmet, parachute harness and assembly, rescue and survival equipment, side hatch jettisoning system, window 8 escape panel, descent control devices (sky genies), escape pole for bailout, and egress slide. The manual describes the crew escape systems, the operation of these systems, and their use during specific emergency or contingency situations. It also discusses systems associated with crew emergency egress, including orbiter nominal seating, the Recumbent Seating System (RSS), seat ingress and egress, and the side hatch.