Age Discrimination at NASA

Does anyone agree with this point of view, and does it in any way explain
the decision making in Mission Control during the last Columbia flight? I'm
not looking for a smoking gun. I'm just wondering if fixing this might in
some way make immediate improvements in the manned space program.

http://www.machinedesign.com/ASP/vie...n=CURRENTISSUE

"Mike Dennis" wrote:
Does anyone agree with this point of view, and does it in any
way explain the decision making in Mission Control during the
last Columbia flight?

Whether NASA as an institution is represented by this article or not, I
can't really say...

However, being selected for an MCC position is based *solely* on merit and
competence. There are years of training and much significant observation
and evaluation that occur prior to ever sitting in the "front room" for a
mission.

MCC Flight Controllers are evaluated *regularly*, including every simulation
and every flight, to make sure they're performing at their peak
capabilities.

The MCC is not a "jobs program" where any quotas are met with respect to
anything other than "the best available".

So, the answer to the second part of your question is "no".

Roger
--
Roger Balettie
former Flight Dynamics Officer
Space Shuttle Mission Control
http://www.balettie.com/