Were drunks allowed to fly because they had to???

[catnhatnh]

Nope-we know that by apollo 13 backup crews were available...so in a core of how many rated astronauts it was decided to let intoxicated people fly???This was never about "mission needs" it was all about launching on time and not having to explain crew changes...so it was ok to risk a mission rather than ridicule.If ever the facts screamed out for a full investigation,this is it...regional airline pilots have been arrested for the same offense,yet on multiple occasion shuttle crew were drunk???Elton John may think "It's just my job five days a week...."In real life this behavior will cost you a reprimand and counseling, if not your job-even if national aspirations and millions of dollars are not involved.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

1. Airline pilots actually fly the plane.

Astronauts just sit there and be expensive.

If the computer that actually flies the shuttle was drunk, or the guys back at mission control, then this would be an issue.

[Kagemusha]

2. Uh well, landings are a much bigger deal than launches, pilot-wise...

I haven't been following this story closely so not sure what applies but, landings, well, I've seen it in flight simulators years ago, and stuff... you do want actual pilots there and not drunk at that point in time. Launches? Not so important, though it's not exactly a good thing regardless.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

3. Astronauts don't land the shuttle either.

But I don't think they're drinking on the way down.

This is soooo not an issue.

[Kagemusha]

4. Ah? We're not talking about pilots at all?

My mistake, but...

You really, really don't want crew drunk if anything happens. Not on the initial launch, mind you - they'd all be dead in seconds - but um, didn't they make a movie about a crisis on Apollo 13 or something? But analyzing this takes more direct knowledge than I have, like how long before they'd be in space in a position for being drunk to actually detract from survival if something happens, how long you stay drunk in space, etc.. all I can do is shrug.