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This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/30/2021
Richard Feynman handwritten document, a calendar for February 1986 shortly after he accepted a position on the Rogers Commission to investigate the cause of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. Feynman lists the dates from 3-19 February, with intriguing information filled in, specifically the dates of 10-11 February, the days of Congressional testimony. He writes ''Closed'' next to 10 February, noting that day was a closed hearing, and ''Open'' on 11 February, the day that was televised to the public, and then writes ''ICE WATER'', referencing his famous ice water experiment that exposed the failure of the O-rings in cold temperatures.
A few days prior, ''The New York Times'' revealed problems with the O-rings, which had theretofore been concealed by NASA and Morton-Thiokol management. Astronaut Sally Ride then gave fellow Commission member Donald Kutyna a confidential memo with test results on O-ring performance at varying temperatures, damning evidence that showed the rings failed in cold temperatures. Kutyna then invited Feynman over to dinner, guiding him to the evidence and setting the groundwork for the famous ''Ice Water'' experiment that would be broadcast all over the world.
Other notes on the document read ''Kutyna Titan'' on 7 February, possibly the night of their dinner, and then a list of ''Items'' on the right side, reading in small part, ''R-Office Press / NASA Public Briefing...Political-Check Six...Ice & Temp (Report)...Attitude to Rogers''. Single page document measures 8.5'' x 11''. Near fine condition. From the Richard Feynman estate.
Richard Feynman Handwritten Calendar From February 1986 During the Rogers Commission -- On Tuesday 11 February, the Day of Televised Congressional Hearings, Feynman Writes ''ICE WATER''
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