PRESIDENTIAL COMMISSION ON THE SPACE SHUTTLE HEARING #1E, 2/25/86 Part 15

Description

UNEDITED VIDEO REPORT: Participation by Commission members Richard P.Feynmen, Robert W. Rummel, Chairman William P. Rogers, Sally K.Ride,David C. Acheson Arthur B.C. Walker, Eugene E. Covert,Vice-Chairman NeilA. Armstrong, and Robert B. Hotz. Testimonies of Robert K. Lund,Vice-President, Engineering, Joseph C. Kilminster, Vice President,Space Booster President, Engineering, Joseph C. Kilminster, Vice President,Space Booster Rocket Motor (SRM) Program Office, Morton Thiokol. Russell summarizes events of January 27-28, 1986, that led up to Thiokol management decision to proceed with launch despite recommendations by its engineers not to.Discussion of effect of temperature and blow holes (i.e.,erosion) on seals.Thiokol decision making process and why management reversed engineering recommendation not to launch. Questions whether Thiokol informed NASA of its engineers concerns, whether Lund had seen Boisjoly memorand a of summer and autumn of 1985 on O-ring problem, whether constraints of launch commit criteria (LCC) had been discussed with NASA. Testimonies of Lawrence B.Mulloy, Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) Project Manager, Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and George Hardy, Deputy Director, Science and Engineering,MSFC. Education, training, and employment background. Mulloy summarizes his participation in the pre-launch discussions beginning with January 27,1986, 8:45 am telephone conference. Discussion of ambient temperatures,propellant mean bulk temperatures, and rotation and their effecton O-rings,seals, joints, and pressure required to make a satisfactory seal,and effect of waiving standards on criticality items list.

Collection

Records of Temporary Committees, Commissions, and Boards

Series

Video Recordings Relating to the Explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger and the Challenger Commission Hearings