"Robert Ehrlich" wrote in message
...
Bill Daniels wrote:
...

Actually, the rope would wind up on the winch drum after release since
normal procedure is to wind it all the way in if there is any chance
that
letting it fall would cause problems.
...


OK, but problems come when you can't follow the normal procedure, e.g.
cable break.

True, but if breaks are likely to cause abnormal problems, you pay more
attention to preventing them. The German tests of Dyneema plastic cable are
now well beyond 1000 launches without a single cable break. Based on test
results I have seen, it looks like 5000 break free launches may be possible
with reasonable care of the rope.

Bill Daniels