The Challenger Disaster Page #5

So far, it's given no hints about what it believes

may have been the cause.

Meanwhile, off the coast of Florida,

the hunt for Challenger wreckage continues.

The combined NASA, naval and coastguard operation

involving 14 ships, four submarines and 11 aircraft

is combing hundreds of square miles of ocean.

Although NASA today released pictures showing recovered debris,

they've been unable to confirm that they've found the crew compartment.

In the absence of detailed information

about what happened to Challenger,

speculation about the cause of the accident continues to grow.

Recent theories include everything from a computer programming error

to unusually strong winds.

Chairman Rogers...

The boats just pulled in the crew compartment.

Can you tell me, was the oxygen activated?

Yes, Dr Ride.

It was.

We...

maybe won't make that public straight away.

Excuse me.

Dr Feynman.

It's very important that this team stays together all the time.

Why?

It's been reported to me that you spent some time at Marshall.

Alone.

That's not very helpful.

Oh, Mr Rogers, I don't find it helpful to stand around.

The other commissioners are just being respectful.

And you're saying I'm not?

You understand the implications of the oxygen being activated?

I do.

The astronauts had to do that themselves.

Which means that they were alive

for at least some of those two minutes and 36 seconds

before they slammed into the ocean.

Mr Rogers, I'm an atheist.

I personally doubt that they're touching the face of God,

so I prefer to show my respect

by finding the cause of their appalling deaths

and not stand around looking sad.

You know, I didn't even want to be on this commission

but now that I'm on it,

I've got every intention of finding out what went wrong.

You know, I don't know that NASA did an excellent job.

The group will be leaving in 30 minutes.

Except for General Kutyna, who's made his own arrangements.

I also may have my own arrangements.

I can't force you to go.

Nope.

Are you going to work all night?

Er... if necessary. I don't know.

How do you plan to get back to Washington?

Er... I got myself in kind of a pickle.

I want to go back to Marshall.

Guess I'll hire a car, but it's hundreds of miles.

I can give you a lift. I'll drop you in Alabama.

Oh.

Thank you.

Here. 0600?

OK.

I may not get a limo,

but occasionally I get the use of a government jet.

No..! You imagined I was going to drive you 400 miles?

This is tremendous.

New for you?

You serious? No!

Whoa-ho-ho-ho!

Oh!

It's OK.

You know, what you have to realise

is that you are uniquely independent.

Yeah, how's that?

Well...

everyone on the commission has strong associations.

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