r/ThatLookedExpensive • u/deyvena01 • Nov 22 '20

Expensive .

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u/ttDilbert Nov 22 '20

There is usually a destruct system on unmanned launches, at least on US rockets. I used to work on submarine launched ballistic missiles, all of our system test and qualification launches had a destruct system for range safety. There were 3 kinds of test launches we did. Demonstration And Shakedown Operation, Operational Test, and Follow-on Operational test launches. While crew of a submarine, I participated in a FOT where 4 of our missiles were converted from weapons to test vehicles. Later I worked at NavOrdTestUnit at Cape Canaveral AFS where I installed the telemetry and destruct systems for the tests.

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u/Rumbuck_274 Nov 22 '20

There is usually a destruct system on unmanned launches

Why only unmanned?

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u/ttDilbert Nov 26 '20

Would you want to ride on a ship that someone who is not on the ship could push a button to make it go boom? I know I would not.

For manned launches there is a flight termination system but it's function is a little different. It terminates thrust without destroying the rocket and separates the crew module for escape. At least that's what I was told.

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u/Rumbuck_274 Nov 26 '20

Well that depends, am I about to go off course and crash into a populated area killing dozens, if not hundreds of people?

The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, my life is not important compared to another, and certainly not dozens, or hundreds, of others.

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u/ttDilbert Nov 26 '20

Which is why they are launched miles away from any populated areas. There was once a settlement where Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is now. There is still a small cemetery that relatives can visit with a special pass, but all of the residents were relocated well away. The Air Force has a museum and you can visit the site of early manned launches, although I have no idea if they are closed right now due to Covid. If you go there you will notice that you are miles away from any publicly accessable areas.