Video Compilation of Failed Rocket Launches Shows the Perils of Trial and Error

Some visuals on the risks involved during rocket launches.

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Complex Original

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There is no doubt that Gravity was one of the best films of 2013, especially if you are a science geek. The film had an all-star cast, consisting of Sandra Bullock and George Clooney as two NASA scientists on a space shuttle mission. [SPOILER] Unfortunately, the mission doesn't go so smoothly and Dr. Stone (Bullock) is the sole survivor. The most powerful scene of the whole film is Dr. Stone's realization that she must single-handedly launch her capsule back to Earth, even though she had failed at all the practice simulator launches. She forces herself to do what is necessary to survive: Finally launch the capsule.

Fortunately for Dr. Stone the launch is a success, but it is that single moment in the film that brings to mind all of the failed rocket launches throughout space exploration history. The scene reminds us of the constant risks involved--the potential for failure. And there have been many failed launches, as demonstrated by this massive video compilation. The video includes clips of V2, Vanguard TV3, Explorer S-1, Redstone 1, Titan I, Titan II, Titan IV, Atlas, Atlas-Centaur, N1, Delta, Delta III, Foton, Soyuz, Long March, Zenith, Space Shuttle Challenger, and more. Indeed, it is a reminder that space exploration has only been successful through iterations of trial and error, continually re-engineering and re-working shuttle designs and systems. 

The engineering and design process for these amazing creations can be intense and consists of numerous theoretical calculations and testing before the final product is actually completed. There is one theoretical number that is particularly important: The factor of safety of the product. It is a value that describes the ability of a system to handle loads that are much higher than the expected loads that the system is really designed to carry. Most aircraft actually have a pretty low factor of safety, somewhere between 1.5 and 2.5 (Compare this to elevators, which have a factor of safety between 10 and 13). Space shuttles have factor of safety values that are similar to aircraft (lower values), primarily because they must be light enough for flight or in order to escape the Earth's atmosphere. 

With all the risks and dangers involved in both flight and space travel, it is incredible that scientists have been able to accomplish so much within this past century. However, it is always good to remember the failures in order to truly create successful launches in the future. Take a look at the fascinating video above. 

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[via Universe Today]

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