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...
indicative missing root rough shows smoking sure
It could be indicative of a rough tile or missing tile. We are not sure yet. I don't have a smoking gun. I don't have anything that shows a root cause.
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.
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.
compelling design goes likely test
It goes back to, how likely is it that you'll have a defect? Very low. And what is your test experience? Overwhelmingly positive. Then you look at your design, and your design is to be very safe. And you look at those, and it's a compelling story.
assembly complex flights station
It is one of the most complex station assembly flights that we will conduct.
evidence gaining problem rather
We are gaining evidence that this was thermal problem rather than a problem with sensors.
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.
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.
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.
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.
accept award bears best dedication developing employees ensure figure george honor legendary low reflects role space success talented team tremendous vision
George M. Low is a legendary figure for his vision and his role in developing our nation's space programs. It is a tremendous honor for us to accept this award that bears his name. This award reflects the dedication of a talented team of employees who give it their best every day, working as one team with NASA, to ensure the success of our nation's space exploration programs.