Teams Are Trained To Rescue Astronauts That Detach From Rocket In Emergency

The 38th Rescue Squadron, located in Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, conducted rescue training of their pararescuemen in the Banana River and Atlantic Ocean near Patrick Space Force Base in the last week of August. 

The 38th RQS Blue Team trains to assist in the SpaceX human spaceflight program and Boeing’s spaceflight program, covering the ocean below them in the event of an emergency. If there is an issue during launch, that capsule will detach from the spacecraft with the ultimate goal being to land in the ocean where the pararescuemen can go rescue those who have been separated from the rocket. 

“When astronauts are doing their launches, we cover down in the Pacific or Atlantic Ocean,” said Tech. Sgt. Michael Galindo, 38th RQS pararescueman and Blue Team section chief. “That way, if they have an emergency and they need a bailout, we’re the rescue team on-site who would recover them from their capsule.”

The teams practice using different types of boat packages that can be dropped by parachute. After the boats are down, the teams can load the boats up with medical supplies, paddles, boat engines and anything else needed to assist in the mission before deploying themselves to assist. Training is ongoing to ensure that that squad is ready and able to assist and stay current with their practice as there is a lot that goes into this type of mission. 

“In October, we're actually doing two weeks of additional training at Cape Canaveral to learn how to access the SpaceX and Boeing capsules … and then make sure we can get access to the astronauts,” said Capt. Trent Vonich, 38th RQS Blue Team flight commander.

“It’s a lot of work being a pararescueman,” Galindo said.  “I’m surrounded by a bunch of great people who are constantly challenging me. We have those who are always trying to improve themselves, whether mentally or physically, and it just drives me to be a better person and reach my potential.”

The team will be standing by for SpaceX's launch on October 31st, 2021 that will have a crew of three.

FMI: www.af.mil, www.spacex.com, www.boeing.com