Self-destruct
A mechanism which causes a device to destroy itself under a predefined set of circumstances. Self-destruct mechanisms are sometimes found in high security data storage devices, where it is important for the data to be anhilated in emergencies.Self Destruct mechanisms are also found on devices who's malfunction could endanger large numbers of people. The booster rockets of the Space Shuttle are wired with explosives so that the Shuttle can be destroyed in the event that it loses control on launch and heads towards a populated area. This feature can be seen in videos of the Challenger explosion. After the initial disintegration of the shuttle, the two solid rocket pods continue flying out of control until they explode simultaniously several seconds later. This occured when the Ground Control Officer decided that the sepearted pods had the potential to endanger those on the ground and detonated the self destruct system.
Self destruct mechanisms are a common plot device in Science Fiction stories, and were frequently used as a mode of plot development in the Star Trek series. On Federation starships, a self-destruct mechanism is available. This option is open to the senior people on the starship in case the starship falls into enemy hands, or becomes unworkable for some reason.
This has been invoked in the Original Star Trek series, as well as .
It usually had a time-limit, so that members of the crew could take the time to getaway in escape pods.
It was also invoked in some of the feature films:
- by Captain Picard, Worf and Dr. Crusher.