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

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    Gps Launch
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential damage caused to a person's car by the GPS launch in January 1997. Participants explore the implications of such an event, including the nature of the damage and the reactions of insurance companies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants comment on the video of the GPS launch, noting the proximity of launch controllers to the launchpad.
  • There is a humorous observation about the soundtrack of the video, indicating a light-hearted tone in parts of the discussion.
  • One participant questions how significant cracks in a car could be overlooked, suggesting that they may start small and propagate quickly.
  • Another participant reflects on the implications of such damage for auto insurance, suggesting that government liability could shift the financial responsibility away from personal insurance.
  • Some participants express a mix of admiration and concern regarding the launch's effects, with one noting the impressive nature of the event despite potential failures.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains a mix of humor and technical commentary, with no clear consensus on the extent of damage or the implications for insurance. Participants express varying degrees of concern and curiosity about the situation.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the propagation of cracks in materials and the nature of solid rocket propellant, but the discussion does not delve into detailed technical analysis or definitions.

BobG
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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
 
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What an annoying soundtrack in the background.
 
Try explaining that to your auto insurance agent. :bugeye:

I like the comment under it..."An anomoly?" :smile:
 
I guess that's the techincal term for 17 foot cracks!
 
cyrusabdollahi said:
I guess that's the techincal term for 17 foot cracks!

:smile: Yeah, I think so. How do you miss cracks that large?! :bugeye:
 
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.
 
Well, even if it is a failure, it's pretty impressive.
 
Moonbear said:
Try explaining that to your auto insurance agent. :bugeye:

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

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...
 

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