KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In a “Mode VII” emergency landing simulation at Kennedy Space Center, a helicopter crew helps “rescued” astronauts. The purpose of Mode VII is to exercise emergency preparedness personnel, equipment and facilities in rescuing astronauts from a downed orbiter and providi

Credit lineKENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In a “Mode VII” emergency landing simulation at Kennedy Space Center, a helicopter crew helps “rescued” astronauts. The purpose of Mode VII is to exercise emergency preparedness personnel, equipment and facilities in rescuing astronauts from a downed orbiter and providing immediate medical attention. This simulation presents an orbiter that has crashed short of the Shuttle Landing Facility in a wooded area 2-1/2 miles south of Runway 33. Emergency crews are responding to the volunteer “astronauts” simulating various injuries inside an orbiter crew compartment mock-up. Rescuers must remove the crew, provide triage and transport to hospitals those who need further treatment. Local hospitals are participating in the exercise.. NASA/KSC, 2004-02-18. Public domain. ID: KSC-04pd0222.