Space shuttle Discovery is scheduled to launch today. It’s been a little while since Columbia broke-up over Texas, February 2003 I believe.
I think I have a good balance of risk taking and being safety conscious. It just kind of irritates me that it’s taken NASA so long to get back into the saddle and fly again. I know we’ve upheld our side of the balance for the International Space Station since all this happened.
Why has it taken more than 2 years to get back up there? I don’t think any one of the families that lost a loved one in Columbia wasn’t aware of the risks involved in their occupations. Although it was not a good thing that the Columbia event occurred, I do believe there has been much value in the new measures and investigations NASA has taken to improve things. Did they really not care about safety prior to this? I don’t think that’s the case. Maybe it just takes major events to slap humanity in the face and refocus on things we all know are important. Events like 09/11, Iraq, Columbia, London bombing, losing our jobs, not getting a promotion, a car wreck, or even our kids falling off their bikes.
How much more dangerous is driving a car than flying the shuttle by comparison? I don’t see anyone walking to work for two years after a car wreck, do you? My imaginary hat is off to everyone involved in our space program. Continue exploring, going further, thinking harder, pushing the envelope. Let’s make it exciting again! If I can ever get over these insufficient funds fees and purchase a ticket on that first consumer space flight, I’ll thank you again!