Editing Launch key

A '''launch key''' is an electronic code key used in the activation of nuclear ordnance aboard a vessel or other military installation. Launch keys issued to ''seaQuest DSV 4600'' command-level officers appear to be made of metal, featuring the picture of the wearer on the bow of the blade and an engraved barcode on the blade.   

In 2017, Captain [[Marilyn Stark]] made use of her launch key to arm the thermonuclear ordnance aboard the [[Nor-Pac]] submersible ''seaQuest DSV 4600'' during what became known as the [[Livingston Trench Incident]] {{Ep|To Be or Not to Be}}. 

In 2018, Dr. [[Rubin Zellar]] forces Captain [[Nathan Bridger]] and Commander [[Jonathan Ford]] to use their launch keys to activate ''seaQuest''<nowiki/>'s nuclear ordnance, suggesting that a two-key system was established following the Livingston Trench Incident. Zellar was unaware that Bridger disabled the nuclear warheads, realizing that ''seaQuest''<nowiki/>'s firepower was his goal {{Ep|Games}}.

Later, Bridger and Ford use their launch keys to activate the entire explosive ordnance of ''seaQuest'' to close a catastrophic schism in the sea floor caused by the [[World Power]] operation, resulting in the ship's destruction {{Ep|Higher Power}}.
[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Technology]]