NASA Selects RS&H, Inc. to Design Emergency Egress System for Orion Astronauts
Reynolds, Smith and Hills, Inc. (RS&H), one of the nation’s leading facilities and infrastructure consulting firms whose client-centered program structure provides value-added solutions to clients around the world, announced it has been selected by NASA to design the Emergency Egress System for Orion, the next generation space exploration vehicle that is expected to launch in 2014.
The new escape system will allow astronauts to travel safely across the launch tower and quickly enter into tram cars, then be whisked down a track to safety, much like a “souped up” roller coaster. RS&H has already designed the new lightning protection system for Orion at Launch Pad 39, and is presently completing the design for its new Mobile Launcher. This new ground infrastructure and support equipment are critical to our Nation’s return to the moon and then our journey to Mars. “We are extremely proud to continue our contribution to NASA and its exceptional tradition of space exploration,” says Leerie T. Jenkins, Jr., Chairman and CEO of RS&H.
According to Darold Cole, Senior Vice President of RS&H’s Aerospace and Defense Program the escape system will take about a year and one-half to design. “RS&H has been involved with planning and studies for Orion for the past several years. With this background knowledge and experienced personnel we will be able to design improved methods for safe, quick egress for the astronauts and their support crews – which are our chief concerns,” says Cole.
The Orion program marks the 3rd NASA manned space program for which RS&H has designed launch facilities. The other two include the Saturn V – Apollo and Space Shuttle programs. RS&H has also designed launch sites and Spaceports for military and commercial rockets.
About Reynolds, Smith and Hills, Inc.:
With more than 850 employees, RS&H is one of the nation’s leading facilities and infrastructure consulting firms whose client-centered program structure provides value-added solutions to clients around the world. With a tradition that began in 1941, RS&H has offices in 10 Florida cities, as well as in California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. RS&H’s market sector programs include Aerospace and Defense, Aviation, Commercial, Institutional, and Transportation and Infrastructure. Construction Engineering Inspection services are provided through its subsidiary, RS&H CS. RS&H can be reached at 1.800.741.2014 or at www.rsandh.com
Contact:
Reynolds, Smith and Hills, Inc., Jacksonville
Michael Bernos, 904-256-2131
Michael.Bernos@rsandh.com
