Risk, the Space Shuttle Question
Should STS-11^2 launch with its foam problems? I wonder this as I sit with the NASA web feed and wait. On the one hand, the shuttle launched over 100 times without a foam incident, and then there is one strike too hard and we dwell on it over and over again. How many problems are there still?
As has been stated, space flight is risky. Thousands of components, hostile environment, extreme pressures and temperatures, so many things that can go wrong. Some things are inconsequential, like the heater failure. Others are recoverable, whether resulting in an abort or just using backup systems. And finally, some are catastrophic.
So is the mitigated risk of foam small enough to warrant continuing shuttle flights or should there be further delay? In this, I agree with NASA's decision.
As has been stated, space flight is risky. Thousands of components, hostile environment, extreme pressures and temperatures, so many things that can go wrong. Some things are inconsequential, like the heater failure. Others are recoverable, whether resulting in an abort or just using backup systems. And finally, some are catastrophic.
So is the mitigated risk of foam small enough to warrant continuing shuttle flights or should there be further delay? In this, I agree with NASA's decision.