The Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster

Paper Summary:

This paper introduces and analyzes the topic of the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. Specifically, it analyzes the accident that occurred on the morning of February 1, 2003 and discusses the events that led up to its occurrence. The paper then discusses what NASA learned from the Columbia disaster and the changes that it has implemented as a result.

From the Paper:

"In conclusion, NASA learned much from the Columbia disaster, and they have implemented new flight techniques and safety checks that help ensure this type of accident does not happen again. However, the Columbia disaster indicates that communication and decision-making at NASA is sometime suspect, and that continues, even today, even though NASA has developed these new safety checks to help make sure disasters like Columbia do not happen again. While the communication techniques NASA officials use may come into question, ultimately, it is recognized that space travel, although we often take it for granted, is inherently dangerous. Astronauts know that, and so do their families. Every time we send another space shuttle into orbit, we face the possibility of disaster, it is that simple. Still, space travel has largely been safe, and it seems that NASA will continue to promote safe space travel into the future."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Donahue, Amy. "The Day the Sky Fell: The Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster." Public Management Sept. 2004: 8+.
• Editors. "STS-118 MCC Status Report #17." NASA.gov. 2007. 10 Oct. 2007. <http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts118/news/STS-118-17.html>
• Editors. "NASA - Columbia." NASA.gov. 2007. 10 Oct. 2007. <http://www.nasa.gov/columbia/home/index.html>
• Jabs, Lorelle Beth. "Communicative Rules and Organizational Decision Making." The Journal of Business Communication 42.3 (2005): 265+.

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