Deadman's Tumble: Space slang for a three-exis
spin, normally of a spacecraft. The expression derives from the fact that
vessels with this awkward spin are very difficult and timeconsuming to
rescue. Consequently, anybody on board the ship is a "dead man".
According to the Imperial Navigation Act of 103 a three-axis
spin is not neccessarily an excuse for not rescuing a vessel in distress.
-ins HT