: NATIONAL SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS Seattle, Washington July 17, 2015 ETHICS LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE SPACE SHUTTLE CHALLENGER DISASTER Presented by: Allan J. McDonald Aerospace Consultant & Author ATK Thiokol Propulsion (Retired) Former Director Space Shuttle SRM Project 0
LESSONS LEARNED Knowing the limitations of your equipment or product Knowing the validity of certifications and specifications Knowledge of past problems and anomalies Don t let schedule pressure outweigh mission safety Demand proof of mission safety - not prove it won t fail Maintain corporate memory and lessons learned data base Importance of proper and clear communication Maintain a non-intimidating managerial environment Never be afraid to ask questions and don t be afraid to speak up and offer your professional opinion it s your responsibility Engineers need authority to go with responsibility Take personal ownership and pride in what you do Never presume anything check and double check Challenge assumptions and basis for analysis with simple calculations and gut feelings 1
BOOK PUBLISHED BY THE UNIVERSITY PRESS OF FLORIDA MARCH 2009 allanjmcdonald@comcast.net 2
BOOK THEME While the underlying content surrounds rocket science, it s a story that chronicles the events, activities, and decisions surrounding a major historical event in U.S. history. The book contains information about: Politics Whistle-blowing and retribution Space science history Tragedy Colossal failures Values, professional ethics, and integrity Bureaucratic cover-up Perseverance and dedication Recovery and rewards Lessons learned but forgotten Website: www.ethicskeynotespeaker.com 3
BOOK AWARDS AND REVIEWS A Popular Mechanics Best Book AIAA Gardner-Lasser Aerospace History Literature Award AAS Finalist - Eugene M. Emme Astronautical Literature Award There have been many accounts of the circumstances surrounding the loss of the Space Shuttle Challenger on 28 January 1986, but few, if any, give as much of an insider s view as this book. Quest McDonald argues convincingly that the Challenger accident need not have happened, had his warnings been heeded; therein lies the tragedy. Space Policy A major contribution to the literature of the management of technology as well as to the history of the space program. Choice Whistle-blowing yet rigorous and fair-minded book. Spaceflight An even-handed take on an American aerospace tragedy. Book News Recounts the decision to launch Challenger, the investigation of the accident, and the return of the shuttle to space flight. McDonald s book is, like the shuttle itself, a massive, complex, and fascinating work. Florida Historical Quarterly A major contribution to a difficult episode in the history of human spaceflight. Roger D. Launius, Division of Space History, Smithsonian Institution 4
GENERAL COMMENTS ON LICENSURE Definition Permission to Practice but not always What About Engineering? Over 80% of engineers with degrees not licensed Only required in areas of public safety Benefits Individual Society Legal Profession 5
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH PE S Chairman of Utah Section of AIAA (1969-1970) Requested NSPE Consideration for Aerospace Engineering Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineers Response No Registration Requested AIAA Develop Criteria Develop Professional Exams Criteria for Grandfather Clause NSPE declined offer still not in place 45 years later Few PE s I Worked with in My 42-year Career Good experience but not outstanding Same experience with graduate degrees Best Measure of Engineer s Ability How he or she did on the last project Not how they did on an exam taken years ago Why Become a PE? Job Opportunities and Legal Implications 6
ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS What Has Most Influence on Ethics? Organizational Culture! Some Say Ethics Can Not Be Taught Morality Plays a Major Role Integrity More of a Habit than a Learned Experience Member of Engineering Ethics Panel Funded by Grant from UEF Inadequate Teaching of Ethics in Colleges of Engineering Check List Approach VS Good Bad Examples Bottom Line Most Important i.e. Cost, Schedules, & Profit Negative Connotation of Whistleblower Professional Risk Safe Haven Do Nothing Culture & Don t Make Waves 7