launch-gate

Lifecycle stage: SHIP

Trigger

Use before public release, merge, publication, or operational handoff.

When not to use

Do not use when this trigger is absent; choose the command or skill that owns the requested state, artifact, and verification gate.

Inputs

• User request or current artifact.
• Known constraints and context.
• Relevant evidence or source links, if available.
• Current Agent Brain state.

Procedure

1. State the current state and target artifact.
2. Identify missing blockers and ask at most three blocking questions.
3. Separate facts, assumptions, hypotheses, and open questions.
4. Apply the anti-rationalization table below.
5. Produce the required artifact: Launch Checklist.
6. Add evidence, risks, decision, and next state.

Anti-Rationalization

Shortcut	Rebuttal
"This is obvious."	Write the assumption and evidence. If you cannot, it is not obvious.
"We can do this later."	If the missing step changes the decision, do it now or state the risk.
"The user wants speed."	Reduce scope; do not skip the quality bar.
"This does not need verification."	Every important claim or behavior needs proof.

Verification

• Required artifact exists and is named.
• Facts, assumptions, and open questions are separated.
• Evidence or evidence gaps are explicit.
• Next state is stated.
• Stop conditions are honored.

Output Artifact

Launch Checklist

Use templates/launch-checklist.md. The artifact should be concise, auditable, and include evidence, blockers, and next action so another agent can resume.

Failure Modes

• Producing advice instead of an artifact.
• Accepting user assumptions without challenge.
• Skipping evidence because the task feels simple.
• Recommending an agent when a simpler system is enough.
• Hiding risks or open questions.

Example

Trigger: work is ready to merge, publish, or hand off. Action: check validation logs, CI state, public-copy scrub, rollback, side effects, and artifact links before launch. Output artifact: templates/launch-checklist.md with blockers and next action. Verification: cite local gate, remote status, rollback path, and unresolved risks.

Before a merge or public handoff, inspect the latest validation logs, CI state, public-copy scrub, rollback plan, and artifact links. If the branch has local-only proof or unreviewed side effects, block launch with a launch checklist instead of saying the work is ready.