Re: Challenger

On 09/06/2024 03:42, john larkin wrote:

https://www.amazon.com/Challenger-Story-Heroism-Disaster-Space/dp/198217661X
 This is a very well researched and written book, and a sad, ghastly
story.
 It reminds me that humans have no purpose in space but to die.

That's a very jaundiced and negative view. Firstly, they weren't in space when they died; they were at 46000 feet, which was below the operational height of Concorde.
On that subject, the only fatal crash of Concorde took place just after take-off almost 25 years after it started service. By your criterion, supersonic flight would have been blamed for the crash, and its purpose deemed unnecessary, even though the accident had nothing to do with supersonic flight, or perhaps even flight itself. Those Wright Brothers have a lot to answer for!
It is human nature to explore, even at the extremes. Where would America be if it wasn't for the Vikings, Columbus, and others like them?
--
Jeff