Question

which of the following were factors in the discussion surrounding whether or not to launch the space shuttle challenger on january 28, 1986? (select all that apply) it was unusually cold, and there was concern that the cold temperatures would cause the o - rings that sealed the booster rocket segments to be too rigid to seal, causing them to fail during takeoff. nasa had already delayed the launch a number of times, and did not want to delay again without hard evidence of danger. morton thiokol was in the midst of negotiating their next multi - million dollar contract with nasa, and did not want to jeopardize it. some of the astronauts were ill, after eating a tainted batch of hot dogs at the pre - launch beach party. the o - rings on the space shuttle’s rocket boosters were missing, and could not be located in time for the launch.

Explanation:

1. Cold temperatures affecting O - rings was a major concern as they could become too rigid for proper sealing during takeoff.
2. NASA's history of delays and reluctance to delay again without clear - cut danger evidence was a factor in the decision - making process.
3. Morton Thiokol's contract negotiations with NASA created a conflict of interest that influenced the discussion. There is no evidence for the claim about astronauts getting ill from hot dogs or O - rings being missing.

Answer:

A. It was unusually cold, and there was concern that the cold temperatures would cause the O - Rings that sealed the booster rocket segments to be too rigid to seal, causing them to fail during takeoff.
B. NASA had already delayed the launch a number of times, and did not want to delay again without hard evidence of danger.
C. Morton Thiokol was in the midst of negotiating their next multi - million dollar contract with NASA, and did not want to jeopardize it.