What is the overall role of the range safety officer (RSO) during a launch?

The range safety officer (RSO) plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of all participants and spectators during a rocket launch. The primary responsibility of the RSO is to enforce safety protocols, which include assessing weather conditions, monitoring launch activities, and ensuring compliance with both organizational guidelines and applicable regulations. This proactive role is essential to prevent accidents and mitigate risk, making sure that all safety measures are followed before, during, and after the launch.

The effectiveness of the RSO's duties is paramount for maintaining a safe launch environment, as they are tasked with making the call to proceed with or abort a launch based on their assessment of safety conditions at all times. By prioritizing safety protocol adherence, the RSO protects lives and property, which is the cornerstone of rocketry operations.