What do the astronauts in the mid-deck of an orbiter do while waiting for launch?

[willpittenger]

Looks like it could get quite boring.&nbsp; Those on the flight deck could at least help the commander and pilot with tasks.&nbsp; But those on the mid-deck are just stuck waiting? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <hr style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em" />Will Pittenger<hr style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em" />Add this user box to your Wikipedia User Page to show your support for the SDC forums: <div style="margin-left:1em">{{User:Will Pittenger/User Boxes/Space.com Account}}</div> </div>

 

[JonClarke]

They bring X-Boxes <img src="http://sitelife.space.com/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-laughing.gif" border="0" alt="Laughing" title="Laughing" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><em>Whether we become a multi-planet species with unlimited horizons, or are forever confined to Earth will be decided in the twenty-first century amid the vast plains, rugged canyons and lofty mountains of Mars</em>  Arthur Clarke</p> </div>

 

[willpittenger]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>They bring X-Boxes</p><p>Posted by jonclarke</DIV><br />And have them and their controllers bounce around during launch?</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <hr style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em" />Will Pittenger<hr style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em" />Add this user box to your Wikipedia User Page to show your support for the SDC forums: <div style="margin-left:1em">{{User:Will Pittenger/User Boxes/Space.com Account}}</div> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>And have them and their controllers bounce around during launch? <br />Posted by willpittenger</DIV><br /><br />It's a Joke Son-<em>Foghorn Leghorn</em> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[a_lost_packet_]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>It's a Joke Son-Foghorn Leghorn Posted by MeteorWayne</DIV></p><p>OMG!</p><p>Thanks!</p><p>LOL </p><p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="1">I put on my robe and wizard hat...</font> </div>

 

[trailrider]

Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Looks like it could get quite boring.&nbsp; Those on the flight deck could at least help the commander and pilot with tasks.&nbsp; But those on the mid-deck are just stuck waiting? <br />Posted by willpittenger</DIV><br /><br />Do what Gordo Cooper did on bored (pun intended!) his Mercury capsule...take a snooze?

 

[shuttle_guy]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Looks like it could get quite boring.&nbsp; Those on the flight deck could at least help the commander and pilot with tasks.&nbsp; But those on the mid-deck are just stuck waiting? <br />Posted by willpittenger</DIV></p><p>They have no functions during the ascent except that one usually is assigned to quickly unstrap and move to the flight dect to photograph the ET as it moves away from the Orbiter. Also one is assigned as the "jump master" who will jetteson the side hatch, extend the escape pole and assist the others hooking up to the pole and jumping. All of the escape procedures would be attempted when the Orbiter has glided down to a lower altitude (IIRC that procedure starts at 20,000 ft.)</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[brandbll]

Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Looks like it could get quite boring.&nbsp; Those on the flight deck could at least help the commander and pilot with tasks.&nbsp; But those on the mid-deck are just stuck waiting? <br />Posted by willpittenger</DIV><br /><br />Hand-held electronic Yahtzee... <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font size="3">You wanna talk some jive? I'll talk some jive. I'll talk some jive like you've never heard!</font></p> </div>

 

[tanstaafl76]

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>They watch this: http://zoomquilt2.madmindworx.com/zoomquilt2.swf</p><p>Or alternatively, look at Upsidedown Dogs: http://upsidedowndogs.com/</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>