In 1986, the world watched in horror as the Space Shuttle Challenger disintegrated just 73 seconds after liftoff.
The cause?
A small rubber O-ring
No bigger than your wrist
Failed under cold weather conditions.
That one overlooked detail led to the loss of seven lives, a grounded space program, and billions in costs.
This wasn’t just a technical failure.
It was a leadership failure of risk communication, engineering judgment, and decision-making.
Fast forward to today.
We now have powerful tools like finite element analysis (FEA) to predict how these “simple” components behave under real-world conditions.
🔍 In the simulation below, I analyzed:
– Where the O-ring might stretch beyond its limit
– Where sealing pressure might drop, causing potential leaks
It’s not just about accuracy
It’s about accountability.
If you’re a decision-maker:
– Don’t underestimate the small parts.
– Ask your teams how they’re simulating failure modes.
– Invest in engineering tools that prevent silent risks from becoming public disasters.
Because real leadership isn’t just about delivering on time – it’s about making sure it lasts.