rachiele@NADC.ARPA (02/12/86)
If it is true that there was a SRB burn-through (and it is beginning to look
like that is the case), and NASA did have indications from previous flights that
there could be problems with them, the real problem is clear. NASA just
plain did not have sufficient funding to meet their commitments (and continue
to exist) and maintain the safety standards we have come to expect of the
space program. The correct thing to do (in retrospect) would have been to
conpletely re-design the supplementary booster system. But I don't believe
this was ever an option, because of cost/schedule constraints.
Don't get me wrong, I don't want to point fingers. But it is ridiculous
to ask an engineer to "design to cost" when lives are at stake.
Jim Rachiele
Disclaimer: My employer is Ronald Reagan, and I don't think he cares
what I say anyway.