NASA chief engineer, safety offices oppose, but shuttle is a go for July 1

[DeepModem Mom]

NYT/AP: NASA, Despite Dissent, Sets Shuttle Date
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: June 17, 2006

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) -- NASA managers on Saturday picked July 1 to launch the first space shuttle in almost a year, despite recommendations against a liftoff attempt by the space agency's chief engineer and safety offices....

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During a poll of top managers, representatives from NASA's Office of Safety and Mission Assurance and the Office of the Chief Engineer recommended against flying until further design changes are made to the external fuel tank. Despite their recommendations, the dissenting managers didn't object to making a launch, NASA officials said.

The ultimate decision to fly was made by NASA administrator Michael Griffin....

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The most contentious debate focused on whether the shuttle's external tank should undergo further changes in 34 areas called ice-frost ramps. About 35 pounds of foam already have been removed from an area of the tank where a 1-pound piece fell off during last July's launch of Discovery....Representatives from NASA's safety and chief engineer offices said at the meeting that the shuttle shouldn't fly until the ice-frost ramps are redesigned. A large piece of flying foam from the external tank struck a wing of Columbia during its launch in 2003, allowing fiery gases to enter the shuttle and kill the seven-member crew during descent.

Griffin said the decision to fly poses no risk to Discovery's seven astronauts because NASA has devised new inspection and repair techniques to the shuttle, and as a last resort the astronauts could stay at the international space station until a rescue shuttle arrives....

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Space-Shuttle.html?hp&ex=1150603200&en=0f4db2c35caf2b3c&ei=5094&partner=homepage

[wtmusic]

1. What risk isn't worth July 4th PR?

Especially when you're not going up in the damn thing...