Final answer:
The USS Thresher launch failed primarily due to a mechanical failure in the submarine's salt water piping system, which led to flooding and loss of propulsion. Proper maintenance and testing could have prevented this failure. The Thresher was sent on a mission to test and improve submarine technology.
Step-by-step explanation:
The USS Thresher was a nuclear-powered attack submarine that sank in 1963. The main cause of the submarine's failure was a mechanical failure, specifically a problem with the submarine's saltwater piping system. This led to the flooding of the engine room and the loss of propulsion. While human error and weather conditions may have contributed to the accident, mechanical failure was the primary cause.
One way this failure could have been avoided is through proper maintenance and testing of the submarine's systems. Regular inspections and checks could have identified the issue with the saltwater piping system and allowed for repairs to be made before the launch. Additionally, improved design and redundancy in critical systems could have provided backup options in case of failure.
The USS Thresher was sent to the ocean depths to test its capabilities and performance. It was part of a program to develop advanced submarines and improve naval warfare capabilities. By conducting tests and collecting data, engineers could use the findings to make improvements and advancements in submarine technology.