Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 exptools 1/6/84; site ihuxi.UUCP
Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!mgnetp!ihnp4!ihuxi!bruce19
From: bruce19@ihuxi.UUCP (Bruce Whiteside)
Newsgroups: net.columbia
Subject: Shuttle "self-destruct system?"
Message-ID: <940@ihuxi.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 25-Jun-84 08:39:49 EDT
Article-I.D.: ihuxi.940
Posted: Mon Jun 25 08:39:49 1984
Date-Received: Thu, 28-Jun-84 01:17:58 EDT
Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Naperville, IL
Lines: 21


The Sunday Chicago Tribune (June 25th) carried a short article
about the launch of Discovery.  The article went on to say:

	"One of Discovery's computer memory banks
	was replaced Thursday when it failed a test;
	an explosive cable used by the orbiter's
	self-destruct system also was replaced."

Question - What is the "self-destruct system?"  Is this just
part of the explosive bolt system for shedding the boosters
and tank?  Is it maybe intended to destroy military payloads
if the shuttle is forced to land in unfriendly territory?
Or is the entire shuttle considered "military" and really
designed to blow-up on command?

Reply by mail to nwuxc!bruce or to ihuxi!bruce19.

Bruce Whiteside
AT&T-NS 11NW561240
(312)510-6744