IF they knew of the fatal damage to Columbia right after launch, the most likely rescue scenario was to prepare Atlantic for launch. 2 days to get to launch pad, then whatever time it took to prepare for lift-off. 2 man rescue crew, extra space suits, and whatever it would take to effect a transfer in space. within a week or so, we could have launched i'd think, though such a "hurried" launch would impose great risks on Atlantic itself. Columbia crew could have gone on minimum level, to prolong food and oxygen. lots of ifs. but, if they were able to save apollo 13, i think there would have been a reasonable chance of saving columbia, or at least most of the crew. one or two of the pilots might have stayed on board to try a slower rate of descent. A "hurried" launch of Atlantic would put that craft at risk, and a loss of Atlantis as well as Columbia would have brought the fleet down to 2 shuttles.
Could Soyuz have gotten to them? could they connect with Soyuz. The space station was unreachable by Columbia apparently. lots of ifs, but ifs are better than booms. larry |
