The VentureStar Escape Module (VEM) will be constructed in two parts. The Pressurized Section houses the astronaut crew. The Escape Section houses all of the hardware to escape from the spacecraft.
The Escape Section is similar to the military F–111 ejection capsule (see Image 1).
The Escape Section is similar to the military F–111 ejection capsule (see Image 1).
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| Image 1: An F-111 Escape Capsule |
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| Image 2: VentureStar Escape Module exterior view |
Thirty–five people ride into space inside the VEM, ready to punch out at any sign of catastrophe. All the astronauts wear the Navy HGU–20/P flight helmet, which was used by the US Space Shuttle astronauts for their first 25 missions. A backpack houses the oxygen tank, radio, etc. The seat has a cutout to accommodate the backpack (Image 3).
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| Image 3: VentureStar Escape Module interior view |
The mass of the pressurized section of the VEM is summarized in Table 1. The overall VEM mass is displayed in Table 2.
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