Abstract: The illustrative embodiment of the present invention is a launch system that includes a closure that, in use, is attached to one or both ends of a missile canister. The closure is blown off of the canister before there is any contact between it and the nose of the missile. The closure incorporates an actuation mechanism that releases the closure when there is a rapid increase in pressure within the canister, such as when the booster of a canistered missile fires. The actuation mechanism is not, however, responsive to the magnitude of the pressure within the canister. As a consequence, the closure will not release if there is a slow build-up of pressure within the missile canister.

Abstract: An electrical connector that avoids some of the disadvantages associated with electrical connectors in the prior art. In particular, the illustrative embodiment of the present invention uses spring-loaded contacts to maintain connection in the presence of the vibration associated with a rocket launch, and also includes an environmental seal and electromagnetic shield so as to provide an environment for the electrical contacts that is isolated from the ambient environment and external electromagnetic radiation. Furthermore, the illustrative embodiment avoids the possibility of bent connector pins, which would make mating between the electrical connectors.