Emergency Egress Slidewire Baskets Released for the Final Time

At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the seven slidewire baskets travel down to the ground for the final time after being released by technicians from the 195-foot level. The system of seven slidewire baskets at launch pads A and B provided an escape route for astronauts and personnel inside the orbiter or on the orbiter access arm. The baskets are suspended from slidewires that extend from the pad's Fixed Service Structure to a landing zone 1,200 feet to the west. Each basket could hold up to three people. A braking system catch net and drag chain slowed and then halted the baskets sliding down the wire at approximately 55 miles per hour in about half a minute.