Columbia Reply

Thank you for your dedication to the Columbia shuttle mission. After reading your report and analyzing your comments we have decided to respectfully refute your request with the exception of possibly sending Atlantis on a rescue mission.

First of all, we do not share your concern regarding the foam that hit the shuttle at launch. Columbia has been subjected to four foam strikes in its lifetime and the previous incidents did not jeopardize the missions' successes[1].

As you may know, Columbia successfully passed all safety checks and preparations prior to launch. Which eliminates any doubt of its structural integrity and readiness for the mission. try to reference

Answering your concern regarding the high cost, we believe it is vital to present several feasible alternatives and their possible costs for us to consider and determine the most efficient solution at the least cost - if possible. Moreover, it is recommended to channel your concerns towards finding viable solutions to the current predicament instead of worrying about budget and costs, leave that to us.

More importantly, we do not appreciate the discouraging attitude you have adopted regarding your future at NASA. Please refrain from spreading needless panic throughout the department because this is a time for diligent work. We urge you to adopt an optimistic view in the hope of finding the appropriate solution.

Moving onto the recommendations, it is out of the question to conduct a spacewalk because Columbia doesn't carry a Canadarm[1], or a Remote Manipulator System. It is alarming that you are unaware of this fact.

The option of sending Atlantis on a rescue mission is being studied, however, we are concerned with the degree of readiness of Atlantis; we will only authorize the launch if we are absolutely sure of the impact of the foam strike on Columbia and the success of the rescue mission.

10/07/02

7 October 2002

Previous strikes had caused no serious damage, and all affected shuttle missions...