Rocket Jones: I wonder what their real-time failure rate was during the cold war?

June 22, 2005

I wonder what their real-time failure rate was during the cold war?

The converted Soviet ballistic missile that was to carry the solar sail spacecraft into orbit failed 83 seconds after launch.

Why the submarine launch? What was the advantage or benefit?

Posted by Ted at June 22, 2005 06:09 AM
Category: Space Program

Comments

The only thing I can think of was cost--it was a converted ICBM, with no need to design a new booster from the ground up. I can't think of a good reason for a submarine launch, though cost might've been a factor there, as well.

Posted by: Victor at June 22, 2005 09:40 AM

The sub being a mobile platform is perfect for launching at exact places in order to achive specific orbits.It seems as if that particular orbit was chosen due to ease of tracking.Check out the site of the creators:
http://www.planetary.org/solarsail/

The timeline and parameters links are most helpful.

Posted by: Russ at June 22, 2005 11:21 AM

BTW the ICBM route probably was taken due to cost.This project was paid for completely via private donations.

Posted by: Russ at June 22, 2005 11:23 AM