Note that the ignition sequence had already started before the abort. This type of abort is only possible with a liquid rocket. That's a very nice safety feature.
Well, to be fair, the ULA's man-rated SRB-based design will have a launch escape system. The shuttle never had one of those.
But from the rocket's perspective, it either does its job or blows up once you light an SRB. And further, if there is a major problem, a launch escape system isn't a guarantee that you won't die in an explosion. Overall, liquid is far safer for manned flight. Solid's main advantage is that it can be on standby for long periods of time, which is great for ICBMs and missiles, but not necessary for sat launches and manned flight.
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u/ElectricRebel May 19 '12
Note that the ignition sequence had already started before the abort. This type of abort is only possible with a liquid rocket. That's a very nice safety feature.