Did the GPS launch cause damage to this person's car?

[BobG]

This is an old video of the GPS launch back in Jan '97. The launch controllers sit in a blockhouse fairly near the launchpad, which is kind of cool. Working in a restricted area, they always got the good parking spaces.

http://shock.military.com/Shock/videos.do?displayContent=157296&ESRC=dod

 

[Cyrus]

What an annoying soundtrack in the background.

 

[Moonbear]

Try explaining that to your auto insurance agent.

I like the comment under it..."An anomoly?"

 

[Cyrus]

I guess that's the techincal term for 17 foot cracks!

 

[Moonbear]

I guess that's the techincal term for 17 foot cracks!

Yeah, I think so. How do you miss cracks that large?!

 

[Astronuc]

How do you miss cracks that large??

Well - it starts out about the size of a fingernail clipping (or smaller) and propagates at about 1500 m/s, or roughly 1/3 speed of sound in the metal.

Those flaming fireballs were the solid rocket propellant.

 

[theCandyman]

Well, even if it is a failure, it's pretty impressive.

 

[BobG]

Try explaining that to your auto insurance agent.

I like the comment under it..."An anomoly?"

Your insurance company loves those kinds of accidents. If government property comes flaming down from the sky and melts your car, then the government pays for it instead of your auto insurance company.

But that walk out to take a look at your car at the end of what's already been a frustrating day...