Description:

R. Feynman Handwritten Doc. 1986 Re: Rogers Commission

Richard Feynman handwritten document from early 1986, when he was investigating the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster as a member of the Rogers Commission. 1p front and verso, 8.5" x 11". Folds; toning; nick to upper right, not affecting content: else, very good condition. From the estate of Richard Feynman.

These two pages contain Feynman's notes, as well as a calendar for February 1986, a critical month when Feynman would learn about the O-ring failure and expose it on National TV via the "Ice Water Experiment". Written in all caps on the first page, document is titled at top, "Exam: NASA=Shuttle Proj.: Costume: Shuttle O-rings", underneath which he writes, "Invitation & Acceptance Ok'd 4 P.M. Monday", ostensibly the day he accepted the appointment to the Commission.

Other notes include "Presidential Pressure / Big Shots", along with "Attitude to Rogers". William P. Rogers, the Chairman of the Committee, was given the overarching directive by President Reagan to not cause any embarrassment during the investigation. Rogers was therefore at odds with Feynman, whose priority was the facts, no matter where they led. Another note under "Rogers vs. Congress" on 17-18 February is "Fight", and on February 12 he writes, "Letter Home Check 6, Paranoia". On the second page, Feynman also writes, "The commission strongly recommends that NASA continues to have the support of the Administration and the nation."

On February 7, Feynman writes, "Kutyna (Titan) My attempt to get work / I am devastated, Graham, Rogers call", referring to William Graham, NASA's Acting Administrator at the time. On February 10, Feynman writes, "Emergency, Closed Meeting (Cook) Smoke McDonald" and then on Tuesday, February 11, (the day of the Ice Water Experiment), he writes, "Taxi to Hardware Store / Ice Water". A few days later, he writes next to Saturday the 15th, "I stay on", suggesting there may have been discussion that he resign or be removed from the Commission.

Additional writing on the second page includes,"10th Recommendation (My Letter) / 'Agree, but you are outvoted' How vote, 'Hotz'", referring to another member of the Commission, Robert Hotz. A fascinating document, revealing the pressure that Feynman was under as he sought to inform the public of the roots of the disaster. 

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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