Declassified State Papers Reveal NASA's Secret Plan for Shannon Airport and the Space Shuttle

Newly released State Papers from 1995 reveal a fascinating intersection of space exploration and commercial aviation at Shannon Airport. The documents confirm that NASA sought to designate the Irish airport as a critical emergency landing site for its Space Shuttle program. This request came as NASA prepared for the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis in June 1995.

This mission was set to dock with the Russian Mir space station. The new orbital requirements necessitated a new launch trajectory. This change brought the shuttle’s ascent path into alignment with a potential emergency scenario over Ireland.

Shannon's Critical Role in Abort Scenarios

The US Embassy in Dublin formally requested that Shannon Airport be added to a worldwide list of potential landing sites. Shannon was an ideal choice due to its status as Europe’s westernmost airport. It also boasted a long 3,199m runway, suitable for the space shuttle orbiter.

NASA had already designated Zaragoza, Spain, as the primary abort-to-landing (TAL) site. This was for the event of multiple main engine failures after take-off but before reaching orbit.

Shannon’s role was even more specific and dramatic. It was selected as a suitable backup if the shuttle experienced additional engine failures while attempting to abort to Zaragoza. Officials were told there would be a brief, critical window of eight to 20 seconds. During this time, the shuttle would lack sufficient power to reach the Spanish airfield. In this rare, worst-case scenario, the crew would attempt an emergency landing at the Irish airport.

Due to the incredible speed of the space shuttle—up to 27,300 km/h—options for engine failure were extremely limited. The Day-of-Launch Abort (DOLA) procedure was a complex, high-stakes maneuver.

International Law and Logistical Preparations

Irish officials quickly sought legal advice on the request. They concluded that Ireland was obliged to respond positively under international law. This obligation stemmed from two key treaties Ireland had ratified:

• The Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies (Outer Space Treaty).
• The Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts, and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space.

The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed the government would provide all possible assistance. This was done “to safeguard the lives of the astronauts” in the unlikely event of an emergency landing.

Logistical preparations were extensive, despite the low probability of use. They required coordination across multiple government departments. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) established direct contact with NASA.

• US personnel would be dispatched to Shannon to prepare the orbiter for return to the US.
• Irish officials had to coordinate with Shannon ground services and local emergency responders.
• Hospitals, fire brigades, naval units, and sea rescue teams were put on alert. This was necessary in case the shuttle missed the runway or came down offshore.

A Legacy of Cooperation

In a memo dated June 14, 1995, officials acknowledged the possibility of Shannon Airport emergency landing site being used was “a very remote one.” The US government accepted full liability for any damage that might occur. They also promised to consult with the Irish government to ensure the safest possible landing.

The US Space Shuttle program concluded in 2011. It did so without ever needing to execute an emergency landing at Shannon.

However, the collaboration left a lasting mark on the airport. In recognition of its support, NASA presented Shannon Airport with an Irish Tricolour flag. This flag had flown aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery during a 2008 mission. It remains on display in the airport’s boardroom, a unique symbol of this aviation-space link. For more commercial aviation news and historical reports, visit flying.flights.