R
rsp1202
Guest
Crew Exploration Vehicle safety is improved over shuttle because of, among other things, use of safer RCS propellants, more redundant systems, lack of fuel cells and APUs (more SM related than CEV), disposable heat shield. That leaves parachutes and landing bags as things that must absolutely work first time. Any other components that will either guarantee astronaut safety or need to be addressed?<br /><br />As for service module, it seems to come down to the engine (or engines) used for de-orbit burn and getting out of lunar orbit. That means pumps and pressurization issues, as well as fuel mixing and combustion. What all is involved here?<br /><br />In 1964, Martin Caidin wrote the novel "Marooned" in which the Apollo SM engine didn't fire, leaving astronauts stranded in earth orbit. Caidin had Wally Schirra critique the manuscript, and Schirra claimed Caidin missed one vital element that would have ensured the engine would ALWAYS fire -- but he wouldn't tell Caidin what it was so he could always remain "one up" on the author. Anyone know what Schirra knew?