EMERGENCY LANDING OF SAUCER MODULE

	In the event the Saucer Module is disabled near a planetary body and 
cannot maintain a stable orbit, landing the saucer is the final option. This is 
to be attempted only when an acceptable chance of success has been 
computed and all other available procedures have failed, short of total 
evacuation by lifeboat modules. If the senior officer aboard the Saucer 
Module makes the decision that the attempt must be made, special sets of 
crew procedures and stored computer commands will be implemented. 
While extensive computer modeling has been taken into account in creating 
the landing programs, no guarantee as to their effectiveness can yet be 
offered. SIF reinforcement of the saucer framework is believed necessary to 
avoid exceeding saucer structural limits during atmospheric entry of a Class 
M planet.
	Without at least minimal reinforcement, aerodynamic loads 
associated with most entry profiles may result in spaceframe destruction 
prior to landing. As it was deemed too costly to subject a Galaxy class 
spaceframe to a full-up atmosphere entry test, the computer model is the 
best available reference. Starfleet has recorded a total of three data sets 
from previous smaller starship hull landings, and these were extremely 
helpful in the design of the computer routines. Conventional wisdom 
believes, however, that the Galaxy class hull is still outside the survivable 
performance envelope and would be unable to successfully perform a 
deorbit and entry into a Class M compatible atmosphere.
	A complex set of terrain touchdown options reside in the main 
computers, taking into account such factors as contact material, air density, 
humidity, and temperature. If there is an adequate amount of time for sensor 
scans during the approach, the sensor values will be compared to those in 
memory, and the appropriate control adjustments can be sent to the impulse 
engines and field devices. Beach sand, deep water, smooth ice, and grassy 
plains on Class M bodies are preferable sites; in contrast, certain terrain 
types have not been modeled, such as mountainous surfaces. Other 
nonterrestrial bodies may possess survivable surfaces, and their suitability 
as landing sites will depend on the specific situation, computer 
recommendations, and command decisions.
	Naturally, many planetary types will possess environments so hostile 
to crew survival that remaining in orbit will be a preferable option, unless 
emergency landing is mandated by tactical considerations.
	Prior to landing on a Class M planet (as only one example), the 
structural integrity field and inertial damping field would be set to high 
output, with the SIF also set to flex the vehicle in small, controlled amounts 
for shock attenuation. The deflector grid will be set to a high output as well, 
with its field decay radius configured to optimize the Saucer ModuleÕs final 
slideout distance while applying a controlled friction effect. During approach 
the computer would take atmospheric readings and make adjustments along 
the descent, and command the deflector field to perform airflow and steering 
changes. In the event computer control is limited, the Flight Control Officer 
(Conn) should be able to make manual attitude control inputs from his/her 
panel. The IDF would be configured to Òjolt modeÓ during major impacts, if 
they exceed certain preset translational limits. The deflector field is designed 
to protect the vehicle hull, though only up to the specified load limits when 
the hull must make contact with the ground. If the SIF, IDF, and deflector grid 
are all functioning during slideout, they can add a great deal to minimizing 
impact forces.
	It is assumed that the vehicle would be a total loss insofar as ever 
being returned to operational service, due to the extreme loads placed upon 
it, which would result in deep, unrecoverable alloy damage. Postlanding 
mission rules call for full security measures to protect the crew and vehicle 
while awaiting Starfleet assistance. Numerous options have been 
documented, from simple waiting within Federation or allied territory, to total 
evacuation and vehicle destruct in areas controlled by Threat forces.  Æ