[John Jamieson]

You can't compare the world's highest performance aircraft/spacecraft with anything on earth. We make progress only by pushing the envelope.

We have never even created a new high performance airplane without killing a test pilot.

Your risk aversion is not the same as astronauts and race car drivers; they fight for a chance to go.

[WFTR]

You can't compare the world's highest performance aircraft/spacecraft with anything on earth. We make progress only by pushing the envelope.

Yes, I said in my post that the space program wasn't the same as the chemical industry. At the same time, I think it is worthwhile for people to know how decisions are made in other areas.

Your risk aversion is not the same as astronauts and race car drivers; they fight for a chance to go.

Actually, it isn't my risk aversion as much as the policy under which American industry operates at this time. I'm not always certain where I stand on some of these policies from a personal perspective, but I abide by company policy because it's my job.

WFTR
Bill