[Poohbah]

They confirm orbit, the most dangerous part is over.

The crew of the Columbia might disagree with you...

[Brett66]

I guess I posted too quickly, I seem to remember reading something a couple of years ago about the statistical risks involved with a shuttle launch. From initial launch to second stage separation was rated the highest risk with re-entry coming in second. Anyway, that was a couple of years ago before Columbia and was probably NASA wishful thinking anyway. :)