Ron Dittemore
Ron Dittemore
Ron D. Dittemoreis a former shuttle program manager for NASA, and is currently the president of ATK Launch Systems Group, formerly known as ATK Thiokol Propulsion, part of Alliant Techsystems, Inc...
evidence gaining problem rather
We are gaining evidence that this was thermal problem rather than a problem with sensors.
cleared launching potential problem
We're not launching with a problem. We're launching with what was a potential problem that we have cleared and is no issue.
complexity extremely far gone level missions shuttle station takes
The shuttle missions that have gone to the station so far have been extremely successful. This mission takes the level of complexity up a notch.
beginning days laborious looking process teams together weeks
Teams are beginning the laborious process of looking through the data. It's going to take us some days and weeks to put it all together and make it correct.
effects element environment far quite risk testing
We've done all that we can think, as far as testing in a one-G environment and simulating the effects of our (shuttle) maneuvers on the mast. But there is that element of risk that there may be something we didn't get, that we don't quite understand.
cause columbia debris explain loss piece root
Right now, it just does not make sense to us that a piece of debris is the root cause to explain the loss of the Columbia crew. There has got to be another reason.
although cannot crew location memory pause recovery reflect stop time
We're going to pause and reflect upon the crew of Columbia, their lives, their contributions, their memory, and although we cannot stop our investigation and the recovery effort, we will pause in this location to take the time to reflect upon their lives, their sacrifice. It's a day of remembering. It's a day of remembering our friends, and for us it's a day of mourning.
information pieces teams thousands
We are getting thousands of pieces of information and the teams are working through each piece deliberately.
necessary satisfied taken
We're satisfied that the necessary precautions have taken place or we wouldn't launch.
becoming organized progress support
We're becoming very organized and making progress in support of each other.
attach complex crew hardware largest mission particular piece shuttle station
The crew of this particular mission will attach the heaviest, largest and most complex piece of station hardware launched on the shuttle so far.
certainly element mission risk safety
There's certainly an element of mission risk. Not safety risk, mission risk.
air begin closely elements force forward future performing potential program proud remaining support transfer vital worked
ATK has worked closely with Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Air Force to successfully transfer the remaining PRP work to our facilities. We're proud to support this vital program and look forward to performing this work in the years ahead, even as we begin to work on elements of potential future systems.
air closely force remaining transfer work worked
ATK has worked closely with Northrop Grumman and the Air Force to successfully transfer the remaining PRP work to our facilities.