KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Launch Control Center, Robert Holl (left), Landing Recovery directo, and Donald Hammel, from the Shuttle Project Office, are in contact with the leaders of the “Mode VII” emergency landing simulation at Kennedy Space Center. The simulation is being managed and d

Credit lineKENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Launch Control Center, Robert Holl (left), Landing Recovery directo, and Donald Hammel, from the Shuttle Project Office, are in contact with the leaders of the “Mode VII” emergency landing simulation at Kennedy Space Center. The simulation is being managed and directed from the LCC. The purpose of the 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” who are simulating various injuries inside the 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-04pd0244.