[MahatmaGandu]

Both accidents were the result of repeatedly ignored warnings.

And let's not forget that both accidents were also caused by NASA's insistence on going with the cheapest possible design for a shuttle.

[driftdiver]

EPA regulations have also played a part as they prevent the best materials from being used.

[MarkeyD]

Were the O-Rings cheap, or just poorly designed?

[omega4179]

I googled nasa rumors today looking for news on Obama cancelling Ares and instead found an anoymous nasa board where insiders are blasting ares as the 2 worst parts of the shuttle, the foam tank and the solid boosters. it was eye opening to see so many whistle blowers that want to go in a safer direction. Nasa must go on but it needs a new approach and management.

[Spktyr]

Both accidents were caused by NASAs insistence on going with a shuttle design, period.

They could have and should have gone with a reusable SSTO instead.

[Las Vegas Ron]

also caused by NASA's insistence on going with the cheapest possible design for a shuttle.

Not to mention environmental regulations on adhering the tiles

[Pessimist]

“And let’s not forget that both accidents were also caused by NASA’s insistence on going with the cheapest possible design for a shuttle.”

And here I thought it was faulty O rings on an otherwise over priced, oever engineered craft.

[woofer]

And let's not forget that both accidents were also caused by NASA's insistence on going with the cheapest possible design for a shuttle.

Lest we forget Alan Shepard's words of wisdom before his lift-off:

Flight Control [after yet another launch delay]: How are you feeling?

Shepard: How would you feel, sitting atop 2 billion dollars of the lowest bid?.