illuminating science

NASA is still looking for the glitch responsible for the shuttle launch cancellation last week. So far, they’ve been unable to find the problem, and it seems more and more unlikely that it’s going to launch this month. That means a delay until the next window in September (after the last disasterous launch, they’re requried to do daytime launches, so that cameras can pick up any potential problems.)

It all raises some interesting questions about “acceptable risks”. There are always risks with going into space, and, terribly and unfortunately, things do go wrong. NASA has been seeking to have the restrictions loosened, particuarly the daytime launch requirement, so that they can do more, sooner. I’d be really curious to know what the astronauts themselves think? After all, they’re the ones with their lives on the line. Where would they draw the line on safety?