Overview of Morton Thiokol and NASA Collaboration

Key Responsibilities

• Morton-Thiokol manufactures solid rocket boosters for NASA.
• Rocket boosters are attached to each side of the shuttle's main liquid fuel tank.
• Provide the explosive force necessary for liftoff.

Design and Structure

• Composed of four motor segments with solid fuel.
• Designed for reuse after each launch.
• Segments joined with rubber seals called O-rings.

Functionality of O-Rings

• Joints must withstand intense forces during blast-off.
• Primary O-ring seals against rocket exhaust gases.
• Secondary O-ring acts as a backup.

Design Flaws and Challenges

Findings

• Evidence of design flaws found in Flight 51C.
• Hot gases burned through the first O-ring and threatened the second.

Launch Pressures

• 1985 had nine ambitious planned launches.
• Delays had financial and employment implications.

Critical Situation Before Challenger Launch

Temperature Concerns

• Concerns about O-rings not sealing properly at low temperatures.
• Low temperatures reduce elasticity, affecting seal effectiveness.

Teleconference and Decisions

• Teleconference held 13 hours before launch to discuss concerns over O-ring performance in cold temperatures.
• Potential delay risked a billion-dollar contract.

Pressure on Morton-Thiokol

• Senior VP intervened, urging a quick decision.
• Concerns raised about launching at low temperatures outside of experience base.
• Vote resulted in consensus to recommend launch despite concerns.

Challenger Disaster

Launch and Explosion

• Temperature at launch was 36 degrees, colder than any previous launch.
• Space shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after launch, traveling at 1,250 mph.

Aftermath

• Crew cabin and seven astronauts lost in explosion.

Conclusion

• Pressure from financial and contractual obligations influenced decision-making.
• Lack of objection during critical discussions led to the tragic outcome.