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US ICBM Launch Center Virtual Tour

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Re: US ICBM Launch Center Virtual Tour

#81

Post by 1992spacemovie »

Log_out_ wrote: post #79
jrockway wrote: post #55

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yeah, I think MAD and "launch on warning" are distinct concepts. If we survive the first strike, we can rationally plan our second strike. So training tapes being played on the live system won't cause us to accidentally make a first strike; we can still assure destruction after taking a first strike. (That's why there's the nuclear triad.) I think that "launch on warning" was an official policy at some point. I am no…

Good argument for a defection retirement program to offer by the west. We bring your family to safety and grant your retirement in style, so you do not get MAD. Let's negotiate with terrorism quitters.

We already negotiate with terrorist via AGM-114s. Why would we want to do what you suggest?

Re: US ICBM Launch Center Virtual Tour

#82

Post by squigz »

jabits wrote: post #57
choeger wrote: post #50

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Considering that when the launch order came, MAD had probably already failed: Would you have obeyed the order and killed a few million people?

I’ve oftened wondered that over the years. Maybe that’s why the young ones are usually on the front lines. Another related possibly more difficult, is how many of us would have turned the key without prior world tensions occurring. Before each alert we received a pre-departure briefing on current world conditions. I think an out-of-the-blue order would have been very difficult… We periodically lost a crew member due…

Are there procedures in place for if the person in charge of a launch center decides not to launch?

Re: US ICBM Launch Center Virtual Tour

#83

Post by implements »

squigz wrote: post #82
jabits wrote: post #57

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I’ve oftened wondered that over the years. Maybe that’s why the young ones are usually on the front lines. Another related possibly more difficult, is how many of us would have turned the key without prior world tensions occurring. Before each alert we received a pre-departure briefing on current world conditions. I think an out-of-the-blue order would have been very difficult… We periodically lost a crew member due…

Are there procedures in place for if the person in charge of a launch center decides not to launch?

(Not speaking for the actual expert) - I think I read that missiles require two separate Launch Control Facilities (LCF) to turn keys for immediate launch, but will eventually launch after a (classified) delay if just one does (unless vetoed by other LCFs in the same group).

Re: US ICBM Launch Center Virtual Tour

#85

Post by jabits »

implements wrote: post #83
squigz wrote: post #82

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Are there procedures in place for if the person in charge of a launch center decides not to launch?

(Not speaking for the actual expert) - I think I read that missiles require two separate Launch Control Facilities (LCF) to turn keys for immediate launch, but will eventually launch after a (classified) delay if just one does (unless vetoed by other LCFs in the same group).

This is roughly correct. In addition to the immediate ground launch crew votes (in reality a squadron is 5 launch centers, i.e. capsules, all interconnected to a total of 50 missiles, and as stated two launch control centers need to successfully “vote”), there is always an airborne launch control center flying over ready to provide a second vote after a specific time-out period. In fact one of our primary nuclear safety and control concerns was to keep refreshing the ALCC access timer.

Re: US ICBM Launch Center Virtual Tour

#86

Post by morbicer »

jasomill wrote: post #71
candiddevmike wrote: post #54

Earlier quoted context omitted.

For how much afterwards though?

Indefinitely, even in the case of near-total destruction. While not exactly historical fiction, this scene from Dr. Strangelove comes to mind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybSzoLCCX-Y

Have you seen Threads? https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090163/

I think the irradiation of soil everywhere would mean a total collapse of agriculture. Maybe some tribes in Papua-Ginea would survive but I am pretty sure only ghouls could live in USA and Europe.

Re: US ICBM Launch Center Virtual Tour

#87

Post by implements »

jabits wrote: post #85
implements wrote: post #83

Earlier quoted context omitted.

(Not speaking for the actual expert) - I think I read that missiles require two separate Launch Control Facilities (LCF) to turn keys for immediate launch, but will eventually launch after a (classified) delay if just one does (unless vetoed by other LCFs in the same group).

This is roughly correct. In addition to the immediate ground launch crew votes (in reality a squadron is 5 launch centers, i.e. capsules, all interconnected to a total of 50 missiles, and as stated two launch control centers need to successfully “vote”), there is always an airborne launch control center flying over ready to provide a second vote after a specific time-out period. In fact one of our primary nuclear saf…

Thanks. I did wonder what the launch veto system was actually for? - working from the assumption that it would be procedurally impossible for a crew to successfully vote for a launch without receiving the correct authorisation codes from an external source first. (I guess it suggested to me that a rogue launch could technically happen, but given any system can go wrong (machinery or operators) perhaps it just made sense to have as many inhibitory safety systems as possible).

Re: US ICBM Launch Center Virtual Tour

#88

Post by Enginerrrd »

choeger wrote: post #50
jabits wrote: post #45

This is a remarkably real view of the Minuteman Launch Control Center in the early to mid-80s for sure. The accompanying audio is realistic as well except all six comm systems would be blaring at once and several printers would be clacking away… It was very intense, demanding job. I was a Launch Control Officer for five years in the mid-80s out of FE Warren AFB in Cheyenne WY. My squadron was the 320th Strategic Miss…

Considering that when the launch order came, MAD had probably already failed: Would you have obeyed the order and killed a few million people?

If I recall correctly, this was actually a problem they identified a while back, where they found out there was a high degree of failing to follow the launch orders. They've solved it by creating routine drills where an order comes in, and operators have to enter the code and turn the keys, not knowing if it's actually a drill or the real thing.
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