NASA 9-1-1

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Ray Padgett
  • 920th Rescue Wing
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. --  The United States' first man-in-space program began in 1958 and ended in 1963 with six manned spaceflights under its belt. Its objectives were: To orbit a manned spacecraft around Earth; To investigate man's ability to function in space; and To recover both man and spacecraft safely.

The last objective remains the engine for the Airmen of the 920th Rescue Wing who provide rescue and recovery support for every launch, then and now.

With NASA projecting 10 space shuttle launches left to the International Space Station, Rescue Wing Airmen rigorously train and are on call to rescue the astronauts and recover the spacecraft safely in case something goes wrong during lift off or landing of the space shuttle.

In an aircrew 6:30 a.m. aircrew briefing 10 miles south at Patrick Air Force Base, Lt. Col. David Blackburn, Air Force Reserve helicopter pilot with the 920th Rescue Wing, leads the coordination of Rescuers who will support the Discovery's landing in a few short hours. The helicopter aircrews suit up and scatter among the four Pave Hawks lined up outside with call signs Jolly1 - 4. 

Each helicopter acts as an air ambulance and contains two pararescuemen recovery specialists and a flight surgeon ready to respond to any emergency.

"The aircraft would be very light with lots of power ready to provide coverage of mode V-VIII emergency runway medicine," said Lt. Colonel Blackburn.

Mode V - VIII are possible types of landing emergencies NASA and Department of Defense personnel practice for.

Mode V is a landing mishap on or near the Kennedy Space Center runway where the shuttle crew escapes the orbiter unaided or with help from the rescue crews.

In a Mode VI the rescue crews can reach the shuttle by land to assist the astronauts; while in Mode VII, rescuers can't reach the shuttle by land and, instead, have to be lowered from the Pave Hawks by hoist.

A Mode VIII is a bailout over the ocean.

The afternoon Florida haze did not stop Discovery from plunging through the atmosphere and safely landing at Kennedy Space Center on time following deafening sonic booms - no rescue needed.

The congratulatory spirit was shared by NASA officials who hailed the flight a success through a press release on the NASA website.

Discovery returned to its base in good shape, said Michael Leinbach, shuttle launch director. "It's just a terrific day here at the Kennedy Space Center," Leinbach added.

With the space shuttle mission expected to be retired in 2010, NASA is turning its view to the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle to launch tomorrow's space explorers into orbit and beyond. No matter what the vehicle NASA will use the 920th RW will stand ready to support the mission, living up to their creed, "These things we do that others may live."