65 years ago, on October 24, 1960, in Baikonur, during preparations for the first test launch of the R-16 intercontinental ballistic missile, an unauthorized launch of the second stage engine occurred. 78 people lost their lives in the explosion, including the head of the state commission, Artillery Marshal Mitrofan Nedelin.
Exactly three years later, on October 24, 1963, while working on a training model of the R-9A missile, a fire broke out in the silo launcher. Eight people died.
Since then, October 24 has become Memorial Day for the rocket and space industry. On this day, dangerous technological work and launching of launch vehicles are not carried out in cosmodromes. Instead, events are held to commemorate the fallen rocket scientists.
Source: Ferra
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