Space Forum / Shuttle / May 2005

NASA never should have cooperated with this production.  That is because
the truth raises some frightening issues.

Lora Bailey, lead tile engineer, "solves" tile problems like Jesse James
does Monster Cars.  Like Jesse, Lora relies on instinct and
cut-and-try-methods.  On top of that, she's bossy over about 20 men on the
project.  Is she REALLY qualified, or the product of affirmative action?
If she is what I think she is, this aspect of the project is in deep sh.t.

Stephanie Stilson is another one.  As vehicle manager, she is more
reserved, at least for the momentary time she appears on the video.  Again,
I ask, is she there to fill more slots for women or should her proper job
be serving coffee to the real astronauts?

They showed cutting of foam with a dining table meat carving knife.  No
wonder the foam falls off.  Its too fragile.  The idea that an ounce
worth's of foam can ding a tile with a fatal "thumbnail size hole" is
absurd.  The test should be you give a five year old a claw hammer and tell
him to go to work on the tiles.  If the tiles crack or hole, they're no
good - don't fly - retire the monster now.

Perhaps man shouldn't be "flying" (misnomer) in space until the technology
has arrived.  Most inventions are not introduced to the marketplace until
they are ripe.  Take high definition TV.  When the Japanese invented their
version, it was analog high definition.  America wisely deferred hi-def
until a proper digital system was developed and tested.  As it comes on
line we will reap the benefits of patience.  The shuttle is in the same
place.  In a 100 years from now, just maybe we will be able to build a
hammer-proof space plane; then, and only then should we consider launching
men and women commanders in space.