This assignment is a case analysis on the “Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster” using Existentialist
ethics. Here is the prompt, also citations are required preferrably philisophy articles and can cite the case and specific occurances. Here is the prompt:
1. Identify the moral issue under consideration.
2. Note available options.
3. Ask this question for each available option: Would I want all of humanity to accept my
example as an endorsement and standard of morally correct behavior?
4. Any answer of “no” to an option, would negate that option as a morally permissible choice.
5. An answer of “yes” to an option is inconclusive, as it may simply mean that the subject
doesn’t care about the consequences of his or her actions. Identify the moral issue under consideration.
2. Note available options.
3. Ask this question for each available option: Would I want all of humanity to accept my
example as an endorsement and standard of morally correct behavior?
4. Any answer of “no” to an option, would negate that option as a morally permissible choice.
5. An answer of “yes” to an option is inconclusive, as it may simply mean that the subject
doesn’t care about the consequences of his or her actions.
The Moral Issue is:
Central Moral Issue: When is complacency to persistent issues a negligence of duty? Did NASA have a moral obligation to tell the Columbia astronauts immediately upon launch that there was an issue instead of letting them complete a 16-day mission? The Columbia was NASA’s most successful space shuttle, with 27 successful missions. But on the 28th mission, the persistent issue with the central fuel tank shedding foam upon launch, which had been deemed an acceptable risk, caused the destruction of the shuttle and killed all astronauts onboard. NASA knew there was a problem after launch but did not tell the crew, allowing them to continue their 16-day mission. It was only as the crew headed for reentry that they were told of the danger.Central Moral Issue: When is complacency to persistent issues a negligence of duty? Did NASA have a moral obligation to tell the Columbia astronauts immediately upon launch that there was an issue instead of letting them complete a 16-day mission? The Columbia was NASA’s most successful space shuttle, with 27 successful missions. But on the 28th mission, the persistent issue with the central fuel tank shedding foam upon launch, which had been deemed an acceptable risk, caused the destruction of the shuttle and killed all astronauts onboard. NASA knew there was a problem after launch but did not tell the crew, allowing them to continue their 16-day mission. It was only as the crew headed for reentry that they were told of the danger.