NASA will enhance its emergency escape system with a cable system in the Artemis 2 mission.
History of NASA’s Launch Escape System
Since NASA began sending astronauts into space, the agency has relied on emergency systems to ensure astronauts can safely leave the launch pad and escape danger in the event of an unexpected emergency during the countdown.
The emergency escape cabin using a cable system will be utilized for the first time in the Artemis 2 mission (Image: NASA).
In the Mercury (1959-1963) and Gemini (1965-1966) programs, NASA employed launch escape systems on spacecraft so that the crew could evacuate safely if necessary.
Although these systems are still in use for today’s spacecraft, ground escape routes have been further implemented since the Apollo missions.
This aims to rescue not only the crew but also all personnel remaining on the launch pad in case of an incident.
While the system has evolved over time and each launch pad uses different escape systems, the common goal remains to ensure rapid evacuation from the launch pad to safety.
Advanced Escape Technology in the Artemis 2 Mission
Four emergency escape cabins for the Artemis 2 astronauts at Launch Complex 39B, Kennedy Space Center, Florida (Image: NASA).
Starting with the Artemis 2 mission, scheduled for deployment in September 2025, the Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) program at Kennedy Space Center in Florida (USA) will utilize a cable rail connecting the mobile launch platform to the perimeter of the launch pad.
This system consists of four rescue cabins, each roughly the size of a small SUV, positioned near the entryway where the crew boards the spacecraft.
The purpose of these cabins is to provide a necessary escape vehicle for the crew in case of an emergency.
Each cabin is attached to a load-bearing cable over 400 meters long, designed to carry a maximum of five people, with a total weight limit of 680 kg.
The crew will slide along the cable system, moving to the launch pad perimeter or the launch pad’s end area, where they will receive protection from the emergency response team.
Diagram illustrating how the rescue cabin operates (Image: NASA).
According to Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, Artemis Mission Director, the development of the new escape system demonstrates NASA’s readiness to respond to emergencies in any potential situation.
“Our goal is the crew, and they will be safely protected even before and during the launch of the spacecraft,” Thompson shared.
Notably, Artemis 2 will be NASA’s first mission with a crew using the new ground emergency escape system. This mission will also be launched alongside the Space Launch System (SLS) and the Orion spacecraft.
These are all new technologies and equipment, marking the first time NASA will employ them in a launch mission.
As of now, no NASA mission has required the use of the ground emergency escape system during the countdown.
Nevertheless, these safety measures remain a top priority for the agency.
