SSTF@lemmy.world to pics@lemmy.world · 18 days agoTechnician working on a Saturn rocket on launch pad.lemmy.worldimagemessage-square12linkfedilinkarrow-up1212arrow-down10
arrow-up1212arrow-down1imageTechnician working on a Saturn rocket on launch pad.lemmy.worldSSTF@lemmy.world to pics@lemmy.world · 18 days agomessage-square12linkfedilink
minus-squareSSTF@lemmy.worldOPlinkfedilinkarrow-up11·18 days agoThat’s the Launch Escape System (LES). It’s a rocket motor that can activate to separate the crew capsule from the rest of the rocket in the event of a bad launch.
minus-squareAngryCommieKender@lemmy.worldlinkfedilinkarrow-up3·18 days agoAhh, gotcha. I assume it separates before the final stage booster ignites?
minus-squareCommissarVulpin@lemmy.worldlinkfedilinkarrow-up5·18 days agoYes, it gets jettisoned after the separation of the first stage and ignition of the second stage.
minus-squareSSTF@lemmy.worldOPlinkfedilinkarrow-up5·18 days agoI believe (though I’m not an expert on the system) that it separates during the second stage when it’s no longer needed.
That’s the Launch Escape System (LES). It’s a rocket motor that can activate to separate the crew capsule from the rest of the rocket in the event of a bad launch.
Ahh, gotcha. I assume it separates before the final stage booster ignites?
Yes, it gets jettisoned after the separation of the first stage and ignition of the second stage.
I believe (though I’m not an expert on the system) that it separates during the second stage when it’s no longer needed.