91. Are there procedures to evacuate a Shuttle if there is a problem before reaching orbit? (A K2S Question)

From The Space Library

On the launch pad the astronauts can jump out and slide down a slide wire to the ground. After launch, if the orbiter can be put into a shallow glide, the astronauts can extend a pole out the entry hatch, slide down it a little way, and then parachute to the ground. Higher up in the ascent the orbiter can abort to the launch site, or abort to a landing site in Africa or Europe, or even make it to orbit. In other words, there are several methods of escape depending on where and when the emergency occurs. (Ref. 1)

Ref 1.NASA, National Space Transportation System Reference, Volume 1 Systems and Facilities, June 1988. This document is available on the Internet at: http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/technology/sts-newsref/stsreftoc.html#sts-umbilical-doors

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Answer provided by Jon H. Brown

Question and Answer extracted from the book Kids to Space - by Lonnie Schorer

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