Investigation Into Rocket Explosion Released
News story originally written on January 18, 1999

The Air Force released the results of its investigation into the explosion of a Titan 4 rocket that occured last August. The explosion destroyed the rocket and its spy satellite payload.

The investigation determined that the explosion was caused by a faulty wire harness. The harness, which usually supplies power to the onboard guidance system, short-circuited. The guidance system lost power and the rocket began to pitch downward. This movement triggered the rocket's automatic destruct system.

Because of safety concerns, officials aren't sure when the Titan rocket will begin to be used for launches again.

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