When confronted with the question "Where are the three biggest roller coasters located?" one is not normally expected to answer "Kennedy Space Center". However, that is just where the third tallest roller coaster is now located, thanks to NASA's keen hearted interest in keeping their astronauts and ground crews alive.
As preparations continue for the Project Constellation missions--including the new Ares I and V launch vehicles and the Orion crew capsule--NASA have developed the Orion Emergency Egress System. In reality though, it is just a thwoppin great big roller coaster, which will ensure that astronauts and ground crews are able to reach the safety bunker in the case of an emergency.
In the photo provided, you can see a yellow railing on the far right corner of the platform. That is the rails of the rail car and yes, it drops straight down.
The benefit of this technology over previous versions of escape vehicles for the launch platforms is the bonus that even injured crew members are able to safely back it back without endangering the rest of the crew.
Previous versions included a basket which would slide down massive cables, and deposit you close to the doors to the bunker. These baskets, however proved a problem for the injured or incapacitated, as well as the trek from basket to bunker.
The new OEES allows for unhurt members to deposit injured crewmates in to their rail car seat. The system will then take under four minutes--meeting NASA's requirements - to traverse the height of the structure, and deliver the crew members directly to the bunkers door.
At 116 meters in height--or 380 feet--the Orion Emergency Egress System comes in third tallest behind the Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey, and the Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio.
So while the comparisons are obvious and somewhat humorous, the technology could very well save people's lives. "It's obviously not a thrill ride, but we're taking advantage of technology that's there," said Scott Colloredo, NASA's senior project integrator for Constellation ground systems.
Joshua Hill, a Geek’s-Geek from Melbourne, Australia, Josh is an aspiring author with dreams of publishing his epic fantasy, currently in the works, sometime in the next 5 years. A techie, nerd, sci-fi nut and bookworm.
