[demallien]

Whilst it is true that there has only been one launch abort so far, if the Shuttle had a launch abort system it would have saved the seven astronauts aboard. Just mentioning this in case someone mistakes your post as arguing that launch abort systems are rarely useful.

[jacquesm]

could, not would. Having a launch abort system is no guarantee that everybody will survive the ordeal.

[mikeash]

That's a good point to raise. I didn't intend to make that statement but I can see how it could sound that way.