In memory of Challenger

Question

January 28, 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the space shuttle Challenger accident. It was a moment I will never forget for the rest of my life. Not only was it a national tragedy, but a deeply personal one. They were my friends. I knew all 7 astronauts on a personal and business level. In 1986, I was a member of the astronaut rescue team with NASA to support the launch and recovery aspect of each mission. They all knew the risks of space flight. It's not a matter of if, but it's a matter of when. Many people are against space flight and exploration. We heard it in the 70's. "Why spend billions of dollars just for a moon rock" or, "We could use that money for the poor" not just to send people in space" What they don't know are the spin offs that came out of the space program. Spin offs meaning what technology came out of the space program. There are thousands of items that we use in every day life because of the space program. From Velcro to microwave to CT scanner to medicines. The list is endless. During the shuttle program, astronauts from many nations flew together, and for a few brief days, prejudice ideas were left at home. It brought all of us together and proved the fact that we as humans can live in this world in harmony. I lost 7 friends, the nation lost 7 brave explorers that gave their lives doing something they had a passion for, to benefit all mankind and all nations. Let us all not forget them on January 28. I pray one day we all live in peace and harmony.

Answer 1

Hi Marshall

For me space exploration has been worth every penny, and the other sacrifices.

It is human nature to explore - it is one of the things that makes human.

Answer 2

One thing that most people aren't aware of is that the original risk assessment team put the odds of catastrophic failure at 1 in 40 flights.

Wow! - 0043ad50, Jan 27, 2011

The leader of the 3rd team asked management what answer they wanted before beginning the "analysis", since the first two answers were rejected. - lorenzo9, Jan 27, 2011

Answer 3

Also, 44 years ago today, January 27, Apollo 1 caught fire and we lost Lt. Col. Virgil I. "Gus" Grissom, USAF; Lt. Col. Edward H. White II, USAF; and Navy Lt. Roger B. Chaffee.

I remember it like it was yesterday.

That's right. I remember that as a kid. - 0043ad50, Jan 27, 2011