(Hallerb) writes:

If a future shuttle has a serious problem, it makes a low orbit but is unable
to deorbit? Unable to reach ISS, its destination its stuck in a low decaying
orbit but the crew will die before reentry.

Exactly what sort of failure would lead to this situation? The
shuttle has two OMS pods. Each pod not only has an OMS engine that
can do the de-orbit on its own, but smaller RCS engines that can be
used as a backup. These same engines could be used to raise the orbit
if necessary. Each OMS pods has its own fuel/oxidizer tanks as well.
There is multiple redundancy built into these systems, for good
reason.

I just don't see how you get into the situation you describe. You
remind me of the type of person who would refuse to wear their
seat belt while driving in Arizona. Why? Because you might
accidentally drive into a large body of water and be unable to escape
the sinking car due to the seat belt getting stuck.

Jeff
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