Universe University

The space shuttle was a marvel of American ingenuity that ushered in a new era for the American space program. But the world would soon learn that reusable spacecraft were far from being perfect machines. Is the story of the U.S. shuttle program a tale of triumph for human space exploration? Or is the tale of a modern day Icarus? For listener questions and comments, email us here: show@universeuniversity.space PHOTO CAPTION: Computer generated simulation depicting the American space shuttle's thermal tiles displacing heat upon reentry into the Earth's atmosphere. REFERENCES: 'After Apollo?: Richard Nixon and the American Space Program' by John M. Logsdon 'Accountability in the Public Sector: Lessons from the Challenger', Public Administration Review by Barbara S. Romzek and Melvin J. Dubnick 'Remembering Roger Boisjoly: He Tried to Stop Shuttle Challenger Launch', NPR.org by Howard Berkes 'For Parts, NASA Boldly Goes... on Ebay', The New York Times by William J. Broad 'Pentagon Chief Assails Article on Sh