[my_pointy_head_is_sharp]

A complete overhaul of NASA is in order - with new people in decision-making capacities. The decision to send up the shuttle at this particular time was a bad idea. We'll be lucky if the astronauts make it back alive. What was the rush? I heard they were under pressure to launch it. By who? Not by me. Not by the millions of us who wanted to see it go up safely. By who, then?

[Normal4me]

What are you talking about? You think the people at Nasa knew before watching the video from the tank camera that the foam would fall off? I'm pretty sure they were more surprised then we are. I'd rather have the data and pictures showing a problem that can be understood rather than not knowing anything at all about the flight.

The problem is a technical one, not a management one imho.

[BushCountry]

A complete overhaul of NASA is in order - with new people in decision-making capacities.

I don't agree at all. Space is never going going to be safe! It is a dangerous enterprise, let's face it and live with it. We have turned into a nation of cowards.

Over 20,000 people died making the Panama Canal. 4,900 died taking the beach on Normany. Over 620,000 people died in the Civil war. 112 men died during the construction of Hoover Dam.

Hell, we lose a couple brave souls taking a risk they knew in advance and we halt the space program for years and years... Thoughout history every human accomplishment and endeavor costs lives. The human we must never lose sight for "No greatness occurs without great risk."