(08/27/2002) - “Astronauts” were safely and successfully recovered from a “downed” Space Shuttle in a Mode VII contingency simulation led by Don Hammel, NASA Landing and Recovery Director. KSC Fire/Rescue and Emergency Medical workers, along with Johnson Space Center and Patrick Air Force Base personnel, participated in the drill. Mode simulations are held periodically at KSC to ensure contingency response forces are well prepared to respond to a wide variety of potential emergency situations.