[net.columbia] There's a Gator on the Strip - Fire Up the OMS!

pyle@ut-ngp.UUCP (04/29/84)

Regarding the use of the OMS engines in the event of an emergency
during landing, it would be probably not be too helpful. The 12,000
pounds of thrust they provide (6,000 each) and the limited burn
time is not going to change the energy of the 80+ ton orbiter
greatly. Also, the flight plan info I have seen indicates that
the forward RCS propellants are dumped just after the OMS deorbit
burn to change the orbiter's center of gravity. There is no
mention of dumping the OMS or aft RCS propellant. I seem to recall
mention made after the first Columbia flight that John Young was
rather proud of the amount of OMS propellant remaining - an indication
of his and Crippen's abilities.

Keith Pyle

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