My hat is off to Wayne Hale, the new deputy program manager for shuttle operations. Here’s what he has to say in the postscript to an excellent letter he wrote to the NASA community:
P. S. A final, personal note: a worker at KSC told me that they haven’t heard any NASA managers admit to being at fault for the loss of Columbia. I cannot speak for others but let me set my record straight: I am at fault. If you need a scapegoat, start with me. I had the opportunity and the information and I failed to make use of it. I don’t know what an inquest or a court of law would say, but I stand condemned in the court of my own conscience to be guilty of not preventing the Columbia disaster. We could discuss the particulars: inattention, incompetence, distraction, lack of conviction, lack of understanding, a lack of backbone, laziness. The bottom line is that I failed to understand what I was being told; I failed to stand up and be counted. Therefore look no further; I am guilty of allowing Columbia to crash.
As you consider continuing in this program, or any other high risk program, weigh the cost. You, too, could be convicted in the court of your conscience if you are ever party to cutting corners, believing something life and death is not your responsibility, or simply not paying attention. The penalty is heavy, you can never completely repay it.
Do good work. Pay attention. Question everything. Be thorough. Don’t end up with regrets.
I hope his attitude takes root at NASA. In fact, I’d like to see it take root everywhere, starting at least with me– the principles he sets out in his last line seem to me to be pretty good ones to follow.
Paul's Down-Home Page 