What does the term "flight termination system" (FTS) refer to?

The term "flight termination system" (FTS) specifically refers to a mechanism designed to destroy a rocket if it goes off course. This system is crucial for safety in rocketry, particularly in situations where a launch vehicle may deviate from its intended trajectory due to malfunctions or external factors. If a rocket strays into a populated area or poses a threat to people or property, the FTS can be activated to ensure that the vehicle is destroyed, minimizing potential hazards.

A flight termination system is a vital safety feature in rocketry to protect both the public and the environment. It is equipped with reliable triggering mechanisms that can be activated manually or automatically as necessary. This includes redundancy features to ensure that the system functions properly under various conditions.

In contrast, the other options address different aspects of rocketry but do not encapsulate the primary function of an FTS. Enhancing flight stability, launching multiple rockets, or adjusting flight paths mid-launch all represent different operational goals within rocketry that do not involve the system's core purpose, which is the safe termination of a flight that poses a risk.