Richard Feynman Handwritten Notes Re: SS Challenger Disaster

Richard Feynman handwritten notes used in his work as part of the Rogers Commission to investigate the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, February through November 1986. Single ruled sheet measures 8.375" x 10.875". Accompanied by a vintage polaroid photograph of the Space Shuttle solid rocket booster field joint assembly, showing the O-rings, printed on Polacolor photo paper measuring 4.25” x 3.5”. Photo has staple holes and rust remnants at top left, manuscript document has minor creasing and flattened folds, both overall near fine condition.

Feynman titles the document "Back to the joint", making numerous notes referencing the O-ring joints that failed during the launch. In addition to drawing several diagrams of the joints, Feynman writes in part, "1 joint .17" erosion over 1.6" & secondary showed erosion 3.1"…How are models made?…larger O-rings-higher pressure seal…"

At verso, Feynman writes, in part, "Report Aug 1985 / Model Calc. / Model tests / Did they test seals under cold & stress…" This last question is the very heart of the disaster, as the O-rings showed themselves to fail at very cold temperatures. At the top of the first page, Feynman writes several names next to machine parts, with "Mike Weeks" next to "O-RINGS". Weeks was deputy associate administrator (technical) for space flight at NASA, who deeply regretted he didn't stop the launch.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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