Ken Mercadante (11/18/2011)
In making a choice we also have to consider that in the past year 10% of all rocket launches have failed (and that number is higher if you also count the Japanese probe that failed to make its Venus insertion burn in May and is now taking an unscheduled trip around the Sun). A substantial number of those failures have been with Russian equipment. Fortunately the crew they just sent to the ISS made it.But the reality of a nearly 10% chance of becoming a puddle on the Siberian prairie instead of becoming one of the lucky few members of the 65-Mile High Club is probably a significant motivator to Take The Cash.
A rocket malfunction resulting in an unscheduled trip around the Sun would really suck. Then again, it would also allow me some time to study for my next cert exam, and it would provide a perfectly valid excuse for not showing up at work for the next year. I hope they pack the shuttle with plenty of sardines and vitamin water.
"Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise. Instead, seek what they sought." - Matsuo Basho