scope:

Description of Driving Event:

After the shuttle carrier aircraft/orbiter reaches its park position within the mate/demate device, the side access platforms, which parallel the major part of the orbiter fuselage, are lowered into service position to demate the orbiter. Flip down platforms are extended from the side access platforms to allow personnel to reach the 50-1/50-2 doors. ropes are used to lower the platforms to the orbiter and technicians have minimal control of the speed at which the platforms are lowered. A potential exists for a loss of platform control and subsequent orbiter damage/personnel injury.