Re: A Columbia Question

[Herbert H Gottlieb <herbgottlieb@JUNO.COM>]

On Wed, 05 Feb 2003 19:32:11 -0600 cliff parker <cparker@CHARTER.NET>
writes:
> With all of the coverage of the Columbia disaster I have seen a
> video clip about which I have a question.   The tape shows the crew as
> they prepare to enter the vehicle used for transport to the launch pad.

> As they leave the building most of the crew makes a special effort
> to reach up to the top of the door opening and touch something.  It
> appears to be a ritual of good luck or perhaps remembrance of some
> kind .  Does anyone know what they are touching and why?
>
> Cliff Parker

 My guess is that the door opening is small and they wish to
avoid hitting their heads on the top of the metal door frame
as they duck inside the vehicle.

Herb  Gottlieb from New York City
(Where we have both rituals and practical reasons for ducking our heads)