STS-75 press kit

Edited by Richard W. Orloff, 01/2001/Page 9
SHUTTLE ABORT MODES
Space Shuttle launch abort philosophy aims toward safe and intact recovery of the flight crew, orbiter and
its payload. Abort modes for STS-75 include:
• Abort-To-Orbit (ATO) -- Partial loss of main engine thrust late enough to permit reaching a minimal
105-nautical mile orbit with the orbital maneuvering system engines.
• Abort-Once-Around (AOA) -- Earlier main engine shutdown with the capability to allow one orbit of
the Earth before landing at the Kennedy Space Center, FL.
• Transoceanic Abort Landing (TAL) -- Loss of one or more main engines midway through powered
flight would force a landing at either Ben Guerir, Morocco; or Moron, Spain.
• Return-To-Launch-Site (RTLS) -- Early shutdown of one or more engines, and without enough energy
to reach a TAL site, would result in a pitch around and thrust back toward KSC until within gliding
distance of the Shuttle Landing Facility.