On BautForum, Manmeetvirdi asked if a satellite can be rescued from a failing launcher by some kind of ejection seat, as he was saddened by a failure of GSLV.

Having given a thought at this challenge, I've found that nearly every operation in the rescue is possible, except up to now the too steep plunge in the atmosphere that creates an unbearable deceleration.

For those interested, I put a description there:
http://saposjoint.net/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=66&t=2638
hey, there are even drawings!

Fun: I wanted to publish it at Bautforum in the original discussion, but the forum there just collapsed as I tried to post my contribution - among several hindrances this idea has experienced.

Anyway, enjoy!

Marc Schaefer, aka Enthalpy

BautForum is up again, so here's the original discussion:
http://www.bautforum.com/showthread.php/11...-for-satellites
including all flames and rants by mediocre members.

My suggestion is on top of the second page.

I imagine you want the unmanned version of this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5w5p4X6rdjE

Edit.