i know i only read into what most of you professionals write up.. but i was reading the last article (linked above) and why wasnt the use of the safer unit or even bringing back an MMU unit thought of when coming up with ideas to scan the belly of the shuttle? as far as saftey goes if the unit failed there would be no reason why the shuttle couldnt move in to get the lost astronaut should the need arise, and i would think the pictures would be even clearer due to the need to be a little bit closer then the usual 600 feet clearence givin by the station..
as far as MMU i know its been out of commision for 2 decades now so logically i know thats just a theory although i bet they have an intact one sitting around houston for testing and what not.. but if they wanted to get a full shot of the belly without risking the obss hitting the belly or using up more time, why not just have a astronaut swing out and shoot the belly real quick??
sorry if this was a post before and i didnt see it.. like i said i dont talk much i just listen and learn from all you great minds.. im just a real intrested kid that loves manned spaceflight with all my heart~!!
thanks!
Because there is more danger in an astronaut free-flying near the tile doing some damage while inspecting... And much more dangerous for him too.
The orbiter would need to have the EVA astronaut in sight at all times. Can't have a 125 ton orbiter manevering around blindly. The RCS could blast him
The orbiter would need to have the EVA astronaut in sight at all times. Can't have a 125 ton orbiter manevering around blindly. The RCS could blast him
If we would need to send an astronaut to the underside, wouldn't it be best to put the orbiter in free drift mode, and then put them on the end of the OBSS?
The orbiter would need to have the EVA astronaut in sight at all times. Can't have a 125 ton orbiter manevering around blindly. The RCS could blast him
If we would need to send an astronaut to the underside, wouldn't it be best to put the orbiter in free drift mode, and then put them on the end of the OBSS?
Yes. No need for an MMU then. Only SAFER for emergency return capability.
AERCam would be cool to scan the belly, but totally untested and I think cancelled?
