STS-3xx

STS-3xx
Mission typeCrew rescue
Mission duration4 days
Spacecraft properties
Spacecraft typeSpace Shuttle
Crew
Crew size4
MembersNone assigned
Start of mission
Launch dateFlight Day 45
Relative to original mission
Launch siteKennedy LC-39
End of mission
Landing dateFlight Day 49
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric
RegimeLow Earth
Inclination51.6 degrees
Docking with ISS
Docking dateFlight Day 47
Undocking dateFlight Day 48
Time docked< 1 day

Space Shuttle missions designated STS-3xx (officially called Launch On Need (LON) missions) were rescue missions which would have been mounted to rescue the crew of a Space Shuttle if their vehicle was damaged and deemed unable to make a successful reentry. Such a mission would have been flown if Mission Control determined that the heat shielding tiles and reinforced carbon-carbon panels of a currently flying orbiter were damaged beyond the repair capabilities of the available on-orbit repair methods. These missions were also referred to as Launch on Demand (LOD) and Contingency Shuttle Crew Support. The program was initiated following loss of Space Shuttle Columbia in 2003. No mission of this type was launched during the Space Shuttle program.


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