[OldMissileer]

I was given a tour of a launch control facility. Once the orders are given to launch, it takes two people to fire them, they must physically operate a switch, one for each officer. I also think I recall them saying there is a physical override, meaning they need permission from a sister launch facility to prevent two whacko officers starting a war.

The two officers in the capsule turn their keys to initiate a launch "Vote." All 50 missiles in the squadron see that vote. Another capsule has to also "Vote" (turn their keys) and the missiles then process those two votes as a valid launch command and will then launch. Once the second vote is received nothing can stop the missiles from launching. The missiles will not launch with only one capsule turning keys.

[redfreedom]

Thanks for the clarification. I always found my visits down there interesting as the folks in the capsule were always quite friendly. I was one of the CES guys doing water maintenance in the equipment building next door as well as the MAF infrastructure upstairs.