A system to get the crew to safety if a rocket launch fails
Apollo LES pad abort test with boilerplate Command Module.
A launch escape system (LES) or launch abort system (LAS) is a crew-safety system connected to a space capsule. It is used in the event of a critical emergency to quickly separate the capsule from its launch vehicle in case of an emergency requiring the abort of the launch, such as an impending explosion. The LES is typically controlled by a combination of automatic rocket failure detection, and a manual activation for the crew commander's use. The LES may be used while the launch vehicle is still on the launch pad, or during its ascent. Such systems are usually of three types:
A solid-fueled rocket, mounted above the capsule on a tower, which delivers a relatively large thrust for a brief period of time to send the capsule a safe distance away from the launch vehicle, at which point the capsule's parachute recovery system can be used for a safe landing on ground or water. The escape tower and rocket are jettisoned from the space vehicle in a normal flight at the point where it is either no longer needed, or cannot be effectively used to abort the flight. These have been used on the Mercury, Apollo, Soyuz, and Shenzhou capsules.
Diagram of Gemini's launch escape sequenceThe crew are seated in seats that eject themselves (ejection seats) as used in military aircraft; each crew member returns to Earth with an individual parachute. Such systems are effective only in a limited range of altitudes and speeds. These have been used on the Vostok and Gemini capsules, and Space Shuttle Columbia during its testing phase.
Thrusters integrated in the capsule or its detachable service module having the same function as an escape tower, as in the case of Crew Dragon, Starliner and New Shepard.
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the launchescapesystem (LES). These included simulated "pad aborts", which might occur while the Apollo-Saturn space vehicle was still on the launch pad...
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small solid-fueled motor (the launchescape motor) at the top of the tower on the launchescapesystem. The launchescape tower would then be jettisoned...
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test of the launchescapesystem with the abort initiated from the launch pad. The launchescapesystem included qualified launchescape and pitch motors...
The Little Joe 1B was a launchescapesystem test of the Mercury spacecraft, conducted as part of the U.S. Mercury program. The mission also carried a...
of test of a launchescapesystem which conducted by setting the system along with the spacecraft still on the ground and let the system activate to carry...
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