TECHNICALLY it might not even be (or need to be) that long. Slide the top off a silo and whoosh, out it goes — the solid fuel means it is always ready, and its control systems are up and running 24/7. This might just be some programmed delay to recall the launch for tactical sake.
Not sure also that there is not some secret code or signal that would cause the launch to down itself. Of course that is all in the realm of speculation.
“TECHNICALLY it might not even be (or need to be) that long. Slide the top off a silo and whoosh, out it goes — the solid fuel means it is always ready, and its control systems are up and running 24/7.”
Don’t know, the officers in the launch control facility have a protocol they follow which includes a systems checklist from the documentaries I’ve seen. What their tasks are and the amount of time there is between the time they receive their valid launch message and and when they actually turn the key I haven’t a clue. But Hillary’s quote was clear “about 4 minutes to launch” and if an enemy interprets that as being accurate, they could use that information to adjust and coordinate their plan of attack. Not something you want to blurt out to the whole world.