NASA shuttle launch: prepared for the worst

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Chenzira Mallory | U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Brad Tiefel, 86th Medical Squadron, critical care nurse assists two simulated injured astronauts during an exercise scenario July 7, 2011, Zaragoza Air Base, Spain. This exercise, conducted prior to every shuttle assent, prepares DoD, NASA and Spanish Air Force personnel at Transoceanic Abort Landing Site at Zaragoza Air Base, Spain in case a space shuttle were to make an emergency landing. This TAL is one of three primary abort landing sites that support every shuttle launch into orbit.  

ZARAGOZA, SPAIN

07.07.2011

Story by Tech. Sgt. Chenzira Mallory 

86th Airlift Wing

ZARAZOGA, Spain - When you mention a NASA shuttle launch, most people automatically think of the Kennedy Space Center in Florida or the Mission Control Center in Houston, Texas. However, many miles away in Zaragoza, Spain, another vital role is played for every shuttle launch.

Zaragoza is home of one of three primary Transoceanic Abort Landing sites, where Department of Defense personnel have supported 135 shuttle launches over the past 30 years.

The Air Force plays a vital role here preparing for emergency shuttle landings. If the shuttle needs to make an abort landing in Europe, Air Force medical, para-jumpers, firefighters, weather, aircrew and landing crews will be in place ready to perform any rescue tasks needed.

“The support the Air Force provides is like an ejection seat,” said Col. (Ret.) Greg H. Johnson, a NASA astronaut. “You don’t want to have to use it, but you know it’s there and works.”

Prior to each launch, service members deployed to the TAL site perform training exercises as if the shuttle were to make an emergency landing. In an exercise performed July 7, the NASA safety representatives ensured the aircraft was safe for rescue workers to approach. Fire department and decon teams worked to rescue simulated injured astronauts, while medical personnel triaged their “injuries.” The para-jumpers also assisted with medical care while the security forces secured the area.

“Air Force support the TAL is a mandatory part of the NASA mission. Without their help and support NASA wouldn’t be able to land in Europe,” Johnson said.

Airmen here would rather not have to carry out their duties in a real-life scenario, but are ready if needed.

“We’re all working together here to accomplish one common goal,” said Lt. Col. Byran Patchen, 789th Air Expeditionary Squadron commander. “We train to accomplish the mission hoping not to have to accomplish the mission.”

This week’s launch is significant because it’s the last launch for the NASA shuttle program. Space Transfer System (STS) Atlantis will be making her final voyage as the Space Shuttle program comes to a close. Atlantis sets off for a 12-day mission delivering supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station.

“Being that this is the last mission, it’s kind of a bittersweet. It’s going to be a sad day when the shuttle program retires,” Patchen said.

• Date Taken: 07.07.2011
• Date Posted: 07.07.2011 17:26
• Story ID: 73396
• Location: ZARAGOZA, ES