For All Humankind...Preventing Landmine Explosions

A current activist movement has increased the visibility of the problem with landmine explosions. Landmines maim or kill hundreds of innocent people and children every day. It is estimated that more than 110 million active mines are scattered in 70 countries with an equal number stockpiled around the world waiting to be planted.

Thiokol Science and Engineering has developed a more effective way of de-mining these mines by using NASA Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) scrap propellant. The flare is easy and safe to handle. It is simply placed next to the uncovered landmine and ignited from a safe distance by a battery-triggered match. The flare burns a hole in the landmine's case and ignites its explosive contents. The explosive burns away, disabling the mine and rendering it harmless.

Because the usage of the scrap propellant is free, the ability to proliferate landmines is more probable. The scrap propellant is not only useful in the eradication of landmines, but it is recyclable as well.