NASA Challenger Disaster Flashcards
(12 cards)
What happened in the NASA Challenger disaster?
In 1986, the Challenger space shuttle exploded 73 seconds after launch, killing all 7 crew members due to O-ring failure in cold weather.
Why is the Challenger disaster relevant to EBMgt?
It shows the dangers of ignoring scientific and practitioner evidence in high-stakes decisions under political and organizational pressure.
What evidence was ignored before the Challenger launch?
Engineers warned that O-rings would fail in cold temperatures, but NASA management overrode them due to schedule pressure.
What organizational flaw contributed to the disaster?
NASA’s culture suppressed dissent and prioritized deadlines over safety evidence, leading to poor risk assessment.
How does this case illustrate a failure of practitioner evidence?
Engineers with direct knowledge raised concerns, but were pressured to reverse their recommendation by senior leadership.
What ethical issue is raised by the Challenger case?
NASA made a decision that put lives at risk despite known dangers, violating ethical responsibility to protect crew safety.
What external pressures influenced NASA’s decision?
Public expectation, political scrutiny, and media interest pushed NASA to launch on time, despite safety concerns.
What was the result of the Rogers Commission investigation?
It concluded that the disaster was preventable and caused by both technical failure and flawed decision-making processes.
What reforms did NASA implement after the disaster?
They improved communication structures, redesigned shuttle components, and encouraged a culture of safety and dissent.
What was the reputational impact on NASA?
NASA’s public image was damaged, and trust in its leadership and decision-making was significantly reduced.
What is the key EBMgt lesson from Challenger?
Evidence must be used in decision-making — not just gathered — and organizations must foster a culture that listens to it.
Citation
(Vaughan, 1996).
