You just have to not hit the actual relic.

https://www.reddit.com/r/DestinyTheGame/comments/4xooc0/you_can_safely_fire_rockets_at_atheon_if_your/

I will believe it when I see it. Does anyone want to test this with me late tonight or tomorrow?

The explanation of the commenter makes it totally logical. I never knew this either, but I believe it.

I'd be willing to test it with you tonight - if it's late enough. (Got dinner/after-dinner plans.)

World's biggest Reddit prank?

Whatever, I'm there and you know it!

I'd play, but heroic strikes are way too fun at the moment.

You just have to not hit the actual relic.

https://www.reddit.com/r/DestinyTheGame/comments/4xooc0/you_can_safely_fire_rockets_at_atheon_if_your/

I will believe it when I see it. Does anyone want to test this with me late tonight or tomorrow?

As long as you're outside of the Relic's hitbox (ideally to the right of it, since you hold the launcher on the right), you should have zero problem (careful with teammates, though). We figured this out pretty quickly, and it was discussed here on the forum, too.

I always face towards the Right platform when holding the relic in order to have the smallest profile.