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TIL smallsat launcher flight termination systems often don't use explosives (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 weeks ago (5 children)

Good to know! My impression was that the FTS has to protect the stuff below the rocket by breaking it up into small pieces and burning off all the fuel. So the rocket doesn’t fall straight back onto the pad and blow it up (like it almost did here).

This “FTS” you’re taking about is just

if(!norminal) {
    Engines.off()
}

Not much of a system really.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 weeks ago

I imagine it's a lot like cars.

Airbags can be very dangerous, so cars will try to detect if the accident would be better or worse with airbags, and then choose to deploy them.

Likely the FTS decided the safest thing to do is just shut down and continue the trajectory into the bay.

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