> It appears that there are enormous differences of opinion as to the probability of a failure with loss of vehicle and of human life. The estimates range from

> It appears that there are enormous differences of opinion as to the probability of a failure with loss of vehicle and of human life. The estimates range from roughly 1 in 100 to 1 in 100,000. The higher figures come from the working engineers, and the very low figures from management. Am in business with someone many years older than me. It has always struck me how little tolerance he has for risks to my safety. The natural reaction is to have more lenience for situations that wont directly impact your personal safety. Wheras this guy will do potentially dangerous tasks that would otherwise be my responsibility. His kids are grown up, mine are young. It is the kind of attitude that would be near impossible to enshrine in a larger organisation (like NASA) but refreshing to see all the same.