benn@sphinx.UChicago.UUCP (T Cox) (02/02/86)
[] First off, there isn't one. There are destruct devices on the two Solid Fuel Booster Rockets -- only because, when they split away and parachute down into the water, the parachute can fail and/or the booster can [assuming premature breakoff] head for inhabited areas. The Range Safety Officer can key in the destruct sequence for these. As for the 'accidental' triggering of said devices, I *strongly* urge *everyone* to read the latest postings in mod.risks, which discuss IN DETAIL this exact point. It is a h*ll of a discussion. The gist of it is, No, the destruct devices on the boosters could not have gone off accidentally. Nor could anyone have set them off purposefully to 'cause' the explosion. Read the articles. I would also suggest, tentatively, that mod.risks be the location for further speculation on the tragedy and its causes. Thomas Cox-- ...ihnp4!gargoyle!sphinx!benn ...but I will defend to the death your right to ... you said *WHAT*?