Nailbiting at the New York Times

An Arduous, Risky Mission, editorial, NY Times

“After vigorous debate at an all-day review, however, NASAs top managers concluded that the risk was acceptable. Should the panels defects worsen during flight, the astronauts could attempt a repair in space or board the space station to await rescue by another shuttle. The astronauts, who were fully informed of the debate, endorsed the decision to launch. Well keep our fingers crossed that these judgments prove right. Another shuttle catastrophe would not only cost the lives of astronauts, it would also probably end the shuttle program and greatly delay completion of the space station.”