August 2022 Auction Ends Thursday, August 25th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/25/2022
Richard Feynman personally owned draft copy of ''Appendix F: Personal Observations on the Reliability of the Shuttle'', Feynman's powerful minority report regarding the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. Feynman famously issued this report, deeply critical of NASA's management, in contrast to the more accommodating Rogers Commission report that sought to shore up public confidence in NASA. Knowing that he only had months to live when he accepted the appointment to the Commission, Feynman used his stature to put forth the position that NASA executives deeply underestimated the danger of space travel ''to the point of fantasy'', and ignored warnings of faulty design in the O-rings. Feynman wouldn't live to see the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003, with the investigation into that disaster sadly confirming Feynman's critique of decision making and risk tolerance at NASA.
Feynman insisted that his minority report be included in the final Commission report, threatening to withdraw his name if it wasn't. William P. Rogers, Chairman of the Commission, finally relented and allowed for the report's inclusion, but not before calling Feynman ''a real pain''.
Six-page report is hand-annotated by Feynman's secretary, with her questions and observations. Measures 8.5'' x 11'', stapled at top left. Near fine condition. From the estate of Richard Feynman.
Richard Feynman Personally Owned Draft Copy of His Minority Report on the Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster, ''Personal Observations on the Reliability of the Shuttle''
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