@ Kennedy Space Center, FL
March 1990
Located on Launch Complex 39B was this slidewire emergency exit system. This system provided an emergency escape route for personnel in the Space Shuttle vehicle and on the pad structure until T-minus 30 seconds in the countdown. Seven slidewires extend from the orbiter access arm level to the ground 147 feet below. Baskets are suspended from each wire, holding up to three persons, if necessary. When released, the basket slid down a 1,200 ft long wire to an emergency shelter bunker. The baskets were decelerated and brought to a stop by a system consisting of a catch net and drag chain. This system was upgraded for SpaceX launches and is now mounted at the 265 ft level of the pad structure. Olympus OM-1 w/Vivitar 28-85mm.
