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It refers to the throttle setting. Nominal thottle setting is 104.5%, but the Block II SSMEs can go all the way up 109% if needed. So '''Single engine 104''' means that nominal MECO targets with a single engine running at 104.5% nominal thottle setting.
 
It refers to the throttle setting. Nominal thottle setting is 104.5%, but the Block II SSMEs can go all the way up 109% if needed. So '''Single engine 104''' means that nominal MECO targets with a single engine running at 104.5% nominal thottle setting.
====How do you control the main engines?====
 
 
The nominal operation mode is fully automatic, controlled by the GPCs. But the speedbrake/throttle controllers allow manual take over in emergency. This operation requires pressing a button on the controller and move the throttle controller to the current automatic power setting and release the take-over button. If you have moved the controller to the right setting (For example, 104%), indicators on the forward panel light and indicate that you now have manual control.
 
 
Additionally, there are a number of switches and pushbuttons to manually cut off the SSMEs and manage the main propulsion system, for example power-down the controllers or manually initiate propellant dump and inert sequences after MECO.
 
  
 
==Aborts and emergencies==
 
==Aborts and emergencies==
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Columbia had two ejection seats in its initial test flights, but they had been disabled from STS-5 on and removed before STS-61-C.
 
Columbia had two ejection seats in its initial test flights, but they had been disabled from STS-5 on and removed before STS-61-C.
 
===What is the "Green Apple" and why should an astronaut pull it in emergency?===
 
 
"GREEN APPLE - PULL" is a common line in Shuttle Checklists, but what is the green apple?
 
 
The "Green Apple" is a tiny green ball connected to the pressure suit with a cord. When the astronaut pulls on the cord, he activates the emergency O2 supply of his suit by opening the valve connected to the cord.
 
  
 
==Payloads==
 
==Payloads==
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===Guidance, Navigation and Control===
 
===Guidance, Navigation and Control===
 
====How is the Space Shuttle controlled in real life?====
 
====How is the Space Shuttle controlled in real life?====
The orbiter is usually controlled automatically by the [[GPC|GPCs]] except during landing and some orbit maneuvers (eg docking). Manual control is possible by using [[Rotary hand controller|rotary hand controllers]] and [[Translation hand controller|translation hand controllers]], which can be used in many different operation modes.
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The orbiter is usually controlled automatically by the [[GPC|GPCs]] except during landing and some orbit maneuvers (eg docking). Manual control is possible by using [[Rotary hand controller|Rotary hand controllers]] and [[Translation hand controller|Translation hand controllers]], which can be used in many different operation modes.
  
  
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Also during rendezvous with the [[International Space Station]], the orbiter will do a 360° pitch-around manuever that will allow the ISS crew to photograph the TPS that will later be downlinked to the ground.
 
Also during rendezvous with the [[International Space Station]], the orbiter will do a 360° pitch-around manuever that will allow the ISS crew to photograph the TPS that will later be downlinked to the ground.
 
[[Category: Articles]]
 
[[Category: Tutorials]]
 

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