SpaceX shows a life-saving slide to evacuate astronauts in case of an accident (video)
SpaceX is currently in the final stages of certifying its second space launch site. Its commissioning will help reduce congestion at the spaceport and expand the company’s ability to send astronauts into space.
Until now, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center has had only one site certified for launching crewed missions, Launch Complex 39A. But having a new launch site gives NASA and SpaceX more flexibility when planning missions, reducing the workload on the team. SpaceX is seeking to modernize the second pad, SLC-40 (Pad 40), at Cape Canaveral to increase its ability to launch manned missions.
Last fall, SpaceX installed a gangway for crew access to the launch tower on the SLC-40. It is a key element of the infrastructure that allows astronauts to take seats in the Dragon spacecraft. In addition, a new system for rapid emergency evacuation of the crew was installed in case of unforeseen problems that pose a threat to life.
“This system, which looks like a long orange slide, will help SpaceX scale to larger towers and spacecraft like the Starship,” said Kiko Donchev, vice president of launches.
Dragon 2 vertical on pad 40 for the first time pic.twitter.com/MMg3QCTVLy
– SpaceX (@SpaceX) March 19, 2024
During the integration of the Pad 40 for SpaceX manned launches, Daniel Forrestal, launch integration manager for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, said: “Ten years ago, we wouldn’t have even dreamed of this. One of the biggest constraints for the launch was the accessibility of the site. Here on the Space Coast and at JFK, business is booming thanks to SpaceX and other launch companies. The conversion of the SLC-40 launch site gives us more flexibility.”
