The attempted launch of an Explorer Satellite on 16 July 1959 failed dramatically when the Juno II lost control almost immediately at lift off, performing a cartwheel before the range safety officer sent the destruct command. The mission lasted around 5 seconds
The almost fully fuelled booster crashed a few hundred feet from the pad, blockhouse crews watching in stunned surprise at the upper stage motors burning on the ground.
The cause of the mishap was quickly traced to a short between two diodes in a power inverter, which cut off power to the guidance system at lift off and caused the Juno's engine to gimbal to full stop, flipping the vehicle onto its side before Range Safety action was taken.
www.theramblingastronomer.co.uk
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