VEM ARCHITECTURE


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).
Image 1: An F-111 Escape Capsule
The VEM (Image 2) will be loaded into the Cargo Hold.
Image 2: VentureStar Escape Module exterior view
Thirty–five people ride into space inside the VEM (Image 3), ready to punch out at any sign of catastrophe.
Image 2: 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.

VEM STRUCTURE
3,922
kg
UNPRESSURIZED HDR
48
kg
HATCH AND BULKHEAD
32
kg
ELECTRICAL POWER
288
kg
COMMUNICATIONS
745
kg
INSTRUMENTATION
382
kg
MISC. EQUIPMENT
209
kg
CREW SYSTEMS
439
kg
TOTAL FOOD REQUIREMENT
150
kg
EC/LSS
614
kg
CONTINGENCY
84
kg
VEM PRESSURIZED SECTION
6,913
kg
Table 1: VEM Pressurized Section specifications

VEM PRESSURIZED SECTION
6,913
kg
34%
35 PASSENGERS AND CREW
2,849
kg
18%
VEM ESCAPE SECTION
11,241
kg
48%
TOTAL VEM MASS
21,003
kg
100%
Table 2: VEM Total mass

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