Provides a means of preventing a launch or aeronautical vehicle and its hazards, including any payload hazards, from reaching any populated or other protected area in the event of a vehicle failure.
Flight Termination System (FTS)
A capability designed, tested and incorporated into vehicles that provides for the independent and deliberate termination of an errant or erratic vehicle
Required for each propulsive stage
Specific design dependent on type of vehicle and mission
Tracking System
Must provide continuous vehicle position and status during launch and entry to the point where the public is no longer at risk
Two valid and independent data sources must be provided (e.g. 2 radars, 1 radar and telemetry, 1 radar and optics, etc.)
Telemetry System
Must provide continuous flight safety related data during pre-launch operations, lift-off and throughout the time that the flight safety system is required to protect public areas
A telemetry receiving system must have the capacity to acquire, store, process, and provide real-time data to the RSO for the purpose of supporting a flight termination decision
Recovery System (applies to UAVs and reusable vehicles)
Saves or preserves the flight vehicle in the event of a malfunction
Not a FTS – must be independent of the FTS
Can be considered as risk mitigation and factor into the safety risk assessment
A Product of the Information Technology & Communications Services Directorate
