The crew pod is secured to the body of the Shuttle by twelve pyrotechnic fasteners. These are bolts that incorporate a pyrotechnic charge that can be initiated by a remote command. Explosive charges embedded within the bolts are activated by an electric current, and the charge instantly breaks the bolt into two or three pieces. Upon detonation a select part of the fastener rapidly disassembles without producing any shrapnel or fragments, freeing the mated units from each other.<p>
This feature is included in Flashback II in the unlikely event of an emergency severe enough to warrent the ejection of the crew pod from the body of the Shuttle. Given the nature of the Flashback Mission, however, any scenario sufficient to give rise to this procedure would be one of the utmost seriousness. This option is therefore classified as a last resort.