On February 3, 1969, the first N-1, the largest launch vehicle ever built (2,772 tons), arrived on the launch pad. The temperature was -41°C. It had a mock-up of the LOK. It was due to launch on February 21 at 00:18. After 5 seconds, a pressure line ruptured; at 23 seconds, a liquid oxygen line also ruptured. This started a fire at 55 seconds, which then reached the electronics and shut down all the engines at 70 seconds. The gigantic rocket was detonated at an altitude of 27 kilometers. It fell back 50 kilometers from the launch pad. The explosion shattered the windows. Lavochkin technicians had to continue working in windowless offices in the freezing cold…
