NASA officials have
named MacDill AFB as an alternate landing site for future space
shuttle missions. Alternate sites are typically selected based on
weather conditions or the power level of the shuttle during
re-entry. Software updates to the shuttles’ landing programs
make it possible to land at more locations than previously
available, said Marty Linde, director of landing support at Johnson
Space Center in Houston.
"The new software, which was scheduled to be installed before
the accident last year, expands the possible landing sites from 25
to 45," said Mr. Linde.
One of the key reasons for MacDill being chosen was its
location, said Mr. Linde. "We went with what made the most sense
geographically," he said.
As the processing and launch site of the space shuttle, NASA's
Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., is the preferred
end-of-mission landing site for the shuttle orbiter. Since MacDill
is only 138 miles away from Kennedy, it is roughly 2,500 miles
closer than the main site used in the past as an alternate, Edwards
Air Force Base, Calif.
Landing the orbiter here instead of in California saves
processing time for its next mission and the expense of returning
it to NASA. A local landing also reduces the time the shuttle would
be exposed to the uncertainties and potential dangers of a ferry
trip atop one of NASA's two modified Boeing 747 shuttle carrier
aircraft.
"There aren't too many agencies on base that wouldn't be
affected [if the shuttle should land there]," said Mr. Linde. From
air traffic control to fire, crash and rescue, as well as security
forces and medical personnel, there are hundreds of people on base
who would be involved. That is along with the team of more than 500
Department of Defense, NASA and contracted civilians from various
agencies throughout the country.
MacDill workers will undergo extensive training in late April to
support a shuttle landing. Training will be spearheaded by the
DOD's manned space flight support office at Patrick AFB, Fla.
Maj. Russell Wood, deputy chief of the training division here,
said the initial "turn around brief," includes three days of
training covering multiple aspects of shuttle operations.
"It's basically 'Space Shuttle 101'," said Major Wood. "The
majority of the training is for on-scene commanders, but will also
include the full gambit of those who would be involved in an
emergency landing.'"
All training aspects will be covered in-depth long before the
shuttle is scheduled to launch again in March 2005, said Major
Wood, adding that the base could have as little as 30 minutes
notice before a shuttle landing.
"The probability that it (landing at an alternate site) will
actually happen is low, but it sure is nice to know the support is
there," said Mr. Linde. [ANN Thanks Staff Sgt. Randy Redman, 6th
Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs]