September 2022 Auction Ends Thursday, September 29th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/29/2022
Richard Feynman retained copy of his letter to Dr. Milton Silveira, Chief Engineer of NASA in 1986 during the time of the Challenger investigation. Dated 22 May 1986, Feynman writes about ''probabilities'' and sends Silveira an ''outline of my thoughts on this and other matters (the gradual deterioration of acceptance criteria)''. The outline is not included, but Feynman interestingly discounts its validity, writing that Silveira might ''find on investigation, that everything I say...turns out to be wrong''.
Letter reads in part, ''To explain my views more completely, I thought you might like to see an outline of my thoughts...that I wrote for the information of other commissioners. As is, it is rough, the facts have not all been checked, and there are many unsubstantiated opinions and possibly incorrect interpretations of facts. I don't think it will appear in the final Commission report...''
Feynman then closes with a reference to the Delta 3914 launch failure on 3 May 1986, ''Thank you for welcoming me to your office to hear the Delta launch. It was unfortunate that it was such a catastrophe, but interesting to see the calm way you acted in spite of your serious distress.'' Yellow page measures 8.5'' x 11''. Near fine condition. From the Richard Feynman estate.
Richard Feynman's Retained Copy of a Letter Sent to NASA's Chief Engineer in 1986 Regarding ''Probabilities'' -- ''...it is rough...there are many unsubstantiated opinions...''
Click above for larger image.