Quote:
On 2002-11-06 19:36, Speedy wrote:
Why didn't anyone stand ten feet away during a Saturn launch? Saturn V, most people with any sense won't even stand within ten feet of a model rocket once it's lit. Just imagine what damage would be caused by a fully-fueled Saturn containing millions of pounds of propellant should anything go awry. You might want to read up on the Nedelin Disaster or the second N-1 launch (number 5L, I believe) if you want any evidence of how catastrophic launch pad disasters can be.
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With all rockets prior to the Saturn V, launch control was in a blockhouse very close to the pad and (of course) very well reinforced against the worst possible outcomes. For the Saturn V, they didn't even try that approach: the launch control center is next to the VAB, over three miles away.