Quote:
Originally Posted by Bazz4CQJ
It's important to recall, this unit was effectively a fully stabilised spacecraft, albeit one which spent a very short time in space!
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I'm reminded of a [possibly apocryphal] Zen-tech story where a weapons-guidance-electronics type from one of the big manufacturers was explaining the design of part of his guidance-system - where he described in great detail the attention he'd paid (and the money spent) to ensure his missile would be really stable and repeatable in service.
Someone asked him "How long will this equipment be live for?"
He replied "something like 20 years" at which point his questioner said "if it takes 20 years from launch for your missile to hit its target your company's out of the contract!".
Strategic nuclear missiles - do they come with an "Explode-by" date??