// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Range Safety
The set of procedures and systems designed to protect public safety and property during rocket launches and flight tests. This includes monitoring the flight path and having the ability to terminate a flight.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Range Safety involves the comprehensive set of policies, procedures, and technologies implemented to mitigate risks to public safety, personnel, and property from launch vehicle operations, including flight termination systems and debris impact prediction.
BACKGROUND
In rocketry, range safety or flight safety is ensured by monitoring the flight paths of missiles and launch vehicles, and enforcing strict guidelines for rocket construction and ground-based operations. Various measures are implemented to protect nearby people, buildings and infrastructure from the dangers of a rocket launch.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Launch Safety
- Flight Safety
- Public Safety Assurance
USAGE NOTE
Range Safety officers have the authority to terminate a flight if it deviates from its safe corridor.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Range Safety.
Operates the Eastern and Western Ranges (Cape Canaveral SFS and Vandenberg SFB) and is a primary driver in the development and certification of modern range safety technology, including the Autonomous Flight Safety System (AFSS) used to track and, if necessary, terminate errant launch vehicles.
Develops and operates its own range safety systems, particularly at the Wallops Flight Facility. NASA created the NASA Autonomous Flight Safety System (NAFSS), a software-based system that can make onboard, real-time flight termination decisions.
Pioneered the use of an independent, automated flight safety system on its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets. This system uses on-board GPS and inertial measurement data to autonomously make a termination decision, reducing reliance on traditional ground-based range infrastructure.
Developed its own certified Autonomous Flight Termination System (AFTS) for the Electron rocket. This technology was crucial for enabling launches from their private Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand and reduces the cost and complexity of range safety operations.
A major supplier of range safety and telemetry technology to government and commercial launch providers. They develop and manufacture critical hardware including GPS tracking units, command receivers, and high-power transmitters used in flight termination systems.
Has a long history of integrating and operating robust, certified range safety systems on its Atlas V and Delta IV rockets, and now its new Vulcan Centaur. ULA works closely with the U.S. Space Force to meet stringent safety requirements for national security payloads.
As a developer of strategic missiles and launch vehicles like Antares and Minotaur, Northrop Grumman has extensive experience designing, testing, and integrating Flight Termination Systems (FTS) for both defense and civil space missions.
A specialized engineering company that provides flight safety analysis, design, and testing services. They focus on the development and certification of flight termination systems and autonomous flight safety software for a variety of launch vehicles.