Can the ESC maintain pressurization and compartment temperature control with only one air conditioning pack operating?

The correct answer is that it is true that the ESC (Environmental Control System) can maintain pressurization and compartment temperature control with only one air conditioning pack operating. In the C-17, the environmental control system is designed with redundancy to ensure that the aircraft can continue to function properly even if one of the air conditioning packs fails or is not operational.

The system utilizes two independent air conditioning packs, which provide enough capacity to handle both pressurization and temperature needs. If one pack is inoperative, the remaining pack is capable of supplying sufficient airflow and temperature regulation. This feature is crucial for maintaining crew comfort, equipment functionality, and overall safety, particularly during extended flights or in high-demand environments.

While the other choices relate to potential operational limitations or scenarios where the effectiveness of the system may vary, the design of the C-17's environmental control system ensures that it can operate with redundancy and maintain critical functions even if only one air conditioning pack is available.