This paper examines the role of the Morton Thiokol engineers in the
decisions surrounding the launch of the Challenger, particularly with reference to an
analysis of this event by Edward Tufte. The engineers at Morton Thiokol recommended
against the launch of Challenger because the projected launch temperature between
26°F to 29°F was far outside their field database of successful launches. The engineers
had asked for, but not received, data necessary to determine the cause of massive
blow-by on the launch the previous January, and they had informed their managers
and NASA that continuing flights could be catastrophic if the cause of the problems
with the launches was not discovered. The authors conclude that the engineers thus did
what they were ethically as well as professionally obligated to do.