A comprehensive exposition of the theory and techniques of fault identification and decision theory when applied to complex systems shows how modern computer analysis and diagnostic methods might be applied to launch vehicle design, checkout, and launchthe space checkout system is a specialized area which is rarely explored in terms of the intelligent techniques and approaches involvedan original view combining modern theory with well-established research material, inviting a contemporary approach to launch dynamicshighlights the advanced research works in the field of testing, control and decision-making for space launchpresented in a very well organized way and the technical level is very high