Deep beneath the surface, the facilities that manage the United States’ nuclear missile arsenal lack the dramatic visuals often seen in movies. Launching an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is a meticulous process involving multiple steps, including decoding and confirming commands, acquiring the correct authorization codes, and coordinated actions from personnel. Each officer, or “missileer”, must turn two keys, with two officers stationed in each control bunker or “capsule.” Additionally, at least two separate capsules must work together to initiate a launch. These measures are designed to prevent unauthorized use or the sabotage of a legitimate launch attempt by any individual or group.
