An update to my previous message. I shouldn't have spoken so soon,
apparently there is no such separable cockpit section. I thought I
remembered that there was from way back when Challenger blew up, but I must
have remembered wrong (I was only 6 years old :-) The following link
describes the escape systems:

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/shuttle/reference/shutref/escape/

They do indeed expect the astronauts to be able to manually bail out of a
jettisonable hatch. This is only for the case where they are unable to
reach a usable runway for some reason.

Sean

At 03:00 AM 2/2/2003 +1100, you wrote:
>Hi Tal,
>
>Couldn't sleep. Have been watching from downunder.
>
>It must be particularly sad for you - with the first Israeli on a Space
>Shuttle mission. My first thought was for our Aussie astronaut. He was not
>on board, but the world has lost 7 special pilots.
>
>>We feel so sorry for that accident. on the news they talk about astronauts
>>will Parashoot to the earth.. I can't believe it..
>
>I can not see this to be honest. Not at the speeds those things travel at
>on approach.
>
>They are pushing the envelope. They know what the risks are. I think the
>American Space program has done very well to log so many flight hours with
>so few lives lost.
>
>I hope it does not affect the program.
>
>My thoughts are with the families.
>
>Regards,
>
>Sean
>
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