RoR: Forum

Post 0

Monday, April 16, 2007 - 9:27pm

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Except for the fact that the shuttle program itself is pretty disgusting, too much money chasing decades-old technology that can't reach geo-synchronous orbit, with a dismal safety record and the highest costs-per-payload of any current method of "space" flight, the settlements don't seem out of line with what might have happened in civil court with a private entity. Did the shuttle crew sign waivers indemnifying NASA for all circumstances? If not, it is reasonable for civil courts to award settlements in the low millions to the survivors of accidents to recoup expected life income. The crew were certainly not to blame for their own deaths, even remotely, unless one counts going on the mission itself as a form of culpability. At a little over 3 mil per crewman, the amount seems quite reasonable, and the expense of litigation was avoided.

Other than your as yet unsupported emotional reaction, what seems to be going on here that's so unreasonable?

Ted Keer

Post 1

Tuesday, April 17, 2007 - 12:36pm

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Hi Ted,

On the emotional side, I personally find the astronaut profession to be heroic and impressive, and I was upset to see this terrible quote and unearned money-grab associated with those who I respect.

And reasoning through the situation, the main problem I have with this outcome is that the money is unearned and unjustified. Sure the accident is not the astronaut's fault, but is there anyone that can be reasonably blamed? I guess that the astronauts understood the complexity and risks involved in their profession, and decided to take the risk despite the possibilities. I don't think the families have a claim. Practically though, I agree with you that NASA saved money and grief by a payout rather than the alternative.

Post 2

Tuesday, April 17, 2007 - 6:05pm

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I didn't get the fact of your disgust with the quote itself. I tend to discount the statements of non-objectivist laypeople using platitudes in emotional sitiuations.

As for the settlement, again, a case could very easily be made that the accident was a case of negligence. Damages paid in civil cases aren't "earned" - that's why they are called "damages." And the legal procedure is to award the families of the deceased with an amount estimated in relation to projected lost income. These were professionals who could have expected to generate income had they not died.

And while one might wish to see them as heroic explorers, they were not selfless explorers, and they or their estates should certainly be reimbursed for income lost to due to negligence.

I assume you and I would both rather see a privatized space program - and I would have our military also make space a priority. In any case, this is a far less distasteful spectacle than the 9-11 payouts and the Katrina "victim" benefits.

Ted Keer