Wetherbee instructed the astronauts to be guided by an “Eight, Eight, Eight Rule” in recoveries: “Eight days from now, eight months from now, and eight years from now, we must be able to live with the consequences of the decisions that we will make in the field. Every decision must be based on our highest judgment using our greatest professionalism and human values.”10 He was determined that things be handled with appropriate dignity and respect for Columbia’s crew. He knew the astronauts would do this without fail.
Love the 8 rule
