A Shuttle Rescue Mission - Can it Be Done?

In case of an emergency on a Space Shuttle, NASA can rely on one thing only to save the astronauts. Another Space Shuttle. The main worry now is the orbiters fragile heat shield. If it was damaged, another shuttle would have to be flown up to retrieve the crew. But how would it be done? Could NASA handle such a challenge? And how likely would it be that both shuttles would receive irreparable damage to their tiles and couldn't come back?

NASA has never flown two shuttles at the same time. In fact, during the shuttles decades in service, only once has their even been two shuttles on the pad at the same time, let alone in orbit. Fortunately the shuttle can handle most of the processing its self, but Mission Control would still be under great strain handling the operations of two shuttles at once.

A rescue mission would entail flying to the international space station, the so called "safe harbor" to retrieve the crew. The first shuttle would have to be undocked and moved away so the rescue team could dock to the space station and load the astronauts for the return home. While this mission may not be that complex, a rescue of the orbiter involved in the planned repair of Hubble would be much riskier.

Once launched, the rescue shuttle would have to rendezvous with the first orbiter, but would not be able to dock to each other. The shuttles would have to be precisely positioned next to each other, and be connected by only a thin tether, in which each of the up to 7 person crew could have to cross. Extremely tricky and dangerous trips, especially since not all of the astronauts have extensive training outside of the shuttle.

The chances of both shuttles being damaged are extremely remote, but if it was to happen, NASA has developed ways to make temporary repairs in orbit to the shuttles fragile heat shield. More than likely one of the orbiters would have repairable damage. Fixing the tiles on the orbiter would be their last option as a third shuttle could not be made ready for flight in time.

While the chances of a rescue mission being needed are remote, it would be possible, although very difficult. It would mean the immediate end of the shuttle program, and possibly the loss of another 2 billion dollar shuttle, but would be one of NASA's greatest challenges, and accomplishments.