September 2021 Auction Ends Thursday, September 30th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/30/2021
Richard Feynman handwritten manuscript from early 1986 when he was investigating the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster as a member of the Rogers Commission. Two pages contain Feynman's notes, as well as a calendar for February 1986, a critical month when Feynman would learn about the O-ring failure and expose it on national TV via the ''Ice Water Experiment''. Written in all caps on the first page, document is titled at top, ''Exam: NASA=Shuttle Proj.: Costume: Shuttle O-rings'', underneath which he writes ''Invitation & Acceptance Ok'd 4 P.M. Monday'', ostensibly the day he accepted the appointment to the Commission.
Other notes include ''Presidential Pressure / Big Shots'', along with ''Attitude to Rogers''. William P. Rogers, the Chairman of the Committee, was given the overarching directive by President Reagan to not embarrass during the investigation. Rogers was therefore at odds with Feynman whose priority was the facts, no matter where they led. Another note under ''Rogers vs. Congress'' on 17-18 February is ''Fight'', and on 12 February he writes, ''Letter Home Check 6, Paranoia''. On the second page, Feynman also writes, ''The commission strongly recommends that NASA continues to have the support of the Administration and the nation.''
On 7 February he writes, ''Kutyna (Titan) My attempt to get work / I am devastated, Graham, Rogers call'', referring to William Graham, NASA's Acting Administrator at the time. On 10 February he writes, ''Emergency, Closed Meeting (Cook) Smoke McDonald'' and then on Tuesday, 11 February (the day of the Ice Water Experiment), he writes, ''Taxi to Hardware Store / Ice Water''. A few days later, he writes next to Saturday the 15th: ''I stay on'', suggesting there may have been discussion that he resign or be removed from the Commission.
More writing on the second page includes, ''10th Recommendation (My Letter) / 'Agree, but you are outvoted' How vote, 'Hotz''', referring to another member of the Commission Robert Hotz. A fascinating document, revealing the pressure that Feynman was under as he sought to inform the public of the roots of the disaster. Single sheet with writing on both sides measures 8.5'' x 11''. Folds, light toning and nick to upper right, not affecting content. Very good plus condition. From the estate of Richard Feynman.
Richard Feynman Handwritten Document From the Challenger Disaster Investigation -- He Writes, ''PRESIDENTIAL PRESSURE / BIG SHOTS'', ''PARANOIA'' and ''TAXI TO HARDWARE STORE / ICE WATER''
Click above for larger image.