That must be one heckuva analysis after losing 2 shuttles to "thermal" causes. I marvel at his confidence in his software. He probably doesn't know that MBS risk analysis was done by computer modeling.
—————————————————- Shuttle Might Not Need Space Repair By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Published: August 15, 2007 Filed at 11:14 a.m. ET HOUSTON (AP) — Two astronauts began a spacewalk Wednesday to prepare a solar array on the international space station for relocation as NASA engineers' concerns over the shuttle Endeavour's heat shield eased. NASA was finishing up tests to determine whether it would have to devote a fourth spacewalk to repairing a gouge in the belly of the shuttle. On Tuesday, officials said they were cautiously optimistic that wouldn't be necessary. A sliver of the wound penetrates through a pair of inch-deep thermal tiles, exposing a thin felt fabric that is the final barrier before the shuttle's aluminum frame. But thermal analyses have so far shown Endeavour could safely return to Earth as it is, said John Shannon, chairman of the mission management team….
It was remarked by someone after the Columbia crash investigation that NASA culture has changed over time from "Can Do" to "Can't Fail". If I were a shuttle engineer/manager, I would be quaking in my boots at the thought of hurtling down at 3000 degree C with a gash in the shield. At least, I can't do that with a (known) gash in my tire on a freeway!
It was remarked by someone after the Columbia crash investigation that NASA culture has changed over time from "Can Do" to "Can't Fail". If I were a shuttle engineer/manager, I would be quaking in my boots at the thought of hurtling down at 3000 degree C with a gash in the shield. At least, I can't do that with a (known) gash in my tire on a freeway!
It was remarked by someone after the Columbia crash investigation that NASA culture has changed over time from "Can Do" to "Can't Fail". If I were a shuttle engineer/manager, I would be quaking in my boots at the thought of hurtling down at 3000 degree C with a gash in the shield. At least, I can't do that with a (known) gash in my tire on a freeway!
.
