_Slave I'_s minelayer deploying a seismic charge A mine launcher, also known as a minelayer, represented a type of armament integrated into a vehicle, designed for the purpose of planting mines. When these systems were installed on starships (frequently ships specifically built for this function and referred to as minelayers), they were used to deploy space mines.
The minelayer functioned by launching or releasing a mine, which could subsequently be activated either through a timer mechanism or via remote activation. Upon reaching specific pre-set conditions, commonly the closeness of a hostile entity, the mine would then self-detonate, ensuring that the minelaying vessel was positioned far enough away to avoid damage.