NASA tests rocket-disaster escape rocket

[Rick]

NASA has announced a successful test of its "Max Launch Abort System" (MLAS), essentially a rocket ejector seat writ large and applied to an entire space capsule. The system is designed to let astronauts escape and parachute to safety in the event of a launcher stack crackup.

More: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/07/09/nasa_mlas_test/