Destroyed OSTF Equipment Terminal - Vandenberg
On Saturday evening, 3 December 1960, a full rehearsal short of actual launch was being conducted by Robert Rhodus, the Martin Company OSTF test conductor. It was the ninth attempt – all of the other attempts had failed due to minor equipment malfunctions. The missile was loaded with liquid oxygen, it was raised to the surface from the silo, and the countdown began.
However, something went horribly wrong. The entire braking system was compromised and the missile began an uncontrollable descent to the bottom of the silo, where LOX and RP1 mixed, causing a massive explosion.
In the years that followed, enormous chunks of concrete could be seen on the hills near the Titan I facility, and a complete reference system gyro was found on the Marshalia Ranch Golf Course, more than a mile away from the blast site.
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5 comments
Adam wrote...
I think if you fell in there, you'd come out a new superhero. Great shot Jonathan.
Joe Reed wrote...
Great perspective on this. One hell of a story to boot. Great writing as well.
Geo wrote...
OMG this is freekin killer sweet shot!
Maui wrote...
Good that there was no Bomb in the missile...
This is such a killer shot! I love your vertical perspective. Wish I could have seen that glowing green yummy goodness! I'll take one wheatgrass shot please...