This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/1/2021
Richard Feynman signed ''Recommendations'', made by the Rogers Commission to improve safety at NASA after the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. Signed ''RP Feynman'' at top right, and marked ''PRIVATE (CLOSE HOLD)'' at top left, these Recommendations were made at the conclusion of the official Report, which ironically, differed substantially from Feynman's minority report critiquing NASA's decision making and risk tolerance. The document begins by recommending that the design of the Sold Rocket Motor joint and seal (the O-rings that failed) be improved, and goes on to suggest bureaucratic and oversight changes at NASA before concluding, ''The Commission strongly recommends that NASA continue to receive the support of the Administration and the nation.''
With only months to live after his cancer diagnosis, Feynman accepted the appointment on the Rogers Commission stating that it would ''ruin his life'', knowing that the little time he had left would be consumed by the investigation. As had been his lifelong directive, he let the facts lead him to his conclusions, and in so doing, upended the Commission to expose systemic problems at NASA that ultimately led to the Challenger disaster. Five-page report on five sheets measures 8.5'' x 14''. Folds, else near fine. From the Richard Feynman estate.