NASA Press Releases

“Robert Mirelson
Headquarters, Washington Feb. 1, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-1600)

RELEASE: 03-030

NASA STATEMENT ON LOSS OF COMMUNICATIONS WITH COLUMBIA

A Space Shuttle contingency has been declared in Mission Control, Houston, as a result of the loss of communication with the Space Shuttle Columbia at approximately 9 a.m. EST Saturday as it descended toward a landing at the Kennedy Space Center, Fla. It was scheduled to touchdown at 9:16 a.m. EST.

Communication and tracking of the shuttle was lost at 9 a.m. EST at an altitude of about 203,000 feet in the area above north central Texas. At the time communications were lost. The shuttle was traveling approximately 12,500 miles per hour (Mach 18). No communication and tracking information were received in Mission Control after that time.

Search and rescue teams in the Dallas-Fort Worth and in portions of East Texas have been alerted. Any debris that is located in the area that may be related to the Space Shuttle contingency should be avoided and may be hazardous as a result of toxic propellants used aboard the shuttle. The location of any possible debris should immediately be reported to local authorities.

Flight controllers in Mission Control have secured all information, notes and data pertinent to today's entry and landing by Space Shuttle Columbia and continue to methodically proceed through contingency plans.

More information will be released as it becomes available.


-end-


* * *


Robert Mirelson
Headquarters, Washington Feb. 1, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-1600) 1:15 p.m. EST

RELEASE: 03-031

NASA PRESS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCED

A press conference by Space Shuttle Program Manager Ron Dittemore and Chief Flight Director Milt Heflin will take place from NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, beginning
at 3 p.m. EST today. The briefing will be carried on NASA TV with two-way question and answer capability from other agency centers.

A Space Shuttle contingency was declared earlier this morning in Mission Control when communication was lost with the Space Shuttle Columbia during its return to Earth following a 16-day mission.

Communication and tracking of the shuttle was lost at 9 a.m. at an altitude of about 203,000 feet above north central Texas while traveling approximately 12,500 miles per hour (Mach 18). No communication and tracking information was received in Mission Control after that time.

Flight controllers in Mission Control immediately began the process of securing all information, notes and data pertinent to today's reentry andlanding.

NASA TV is on AMC-2, Transponder 9C, vertical polarization at 85 degrees West longitude, 3880 MHz, with audio at 6.8 MHz.

More information will be released as it becomes available.
NASA information is available on the Internet at:

www.nasa.gov


-end-


* * *


Robert Mirelson
Headquarters, Washington Feb. 1, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-1600) 4 p.m. EST

RELEASE: 03-032

STATEMENT BY NASA ADMINISTRATOR SEAN O'KEEFE

"This is indeed a tragic day for the NASA family, for the families of the astronauts who flew on STS-107, and likewise is tragic for the Nation.

"Immediately upon indication of a loss of communications from STS-107, at a little after 9:00 a.m. this morning, we began our contingency plan to preserve all the information relative to the flight activities.

"I immediately advised the President and the Secretary of Homeland Security, Tom Ridge, at the point after landing was due to have occurred at 9:16 a.m., and spoke to them very briefly to advise them that we had lost contact with the Shuttle orbiter, Columbia, and STS-107 crew. They offered, the President specifically offered, full and immediate support to determine the appropriate steps to be taken.

"We then spent the next hour and a half working through the details and information of what we have received and Bill Readdy, Associate Administrator for the NASA Office of Space Flight, will walk you through the specifics of those operational and technical issues.

"We met with the family members of the astronauts who were here at the Kennedy Space Center and are soon to be departing back to the Johnson Space Center in Houston. The President has called and spoken to the family members to express our deepest national regrets. We have assured them that we will begin the process immediately to recover their loved ones and understand the cause of this tragedy.

"We have no indication that the mishap was caused by anything or anyone on the ground.

"We assembled a Mishap Investigation Team at a point past the stage that the orbiter was to have landed here at Kennedy Space Center a little after 9:30. That team, in turn, is coordinating on a regular basis on all the facts that are pertaining to this from the Johnson Space Center with help from a Rapid Response Team from here at the Kennedy Space Center, as well participants from the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

"In addition to these internal efforts, we have appointed a Mishap Investigation Board, an external group of people who are independent from NASA who will be charged with the responsibility to look at all the information that was immediately locked down right after the absence of
communications.

"Each of these individuals are Safety and Mission Assurance related officials in other departments of the Federal government, from the Air Force, the Navy, the Department of
Transportation, and across the federal expanse. This Investigation Team will be chaired by an individual who is external to the federal agencies and will have the responsibility to coordinate all the information from an external view.

"So we'll be conducting both the internal activity as well as the external review immediately to ascertain the causes and circumstances under which this tragedy occurred.

"We have pulled together all the federal agencies and local governments as well. I have been in discussion several times this morning with Secretary Tom Ridge. The effort is under way to coordinate an understanding of exactly where the orbiter path had taken it from West Texas towards the Kennedy Space Center here in Florida and to make sure that the material on the ground is secured so that the investigation can begin promptly.

"We would urge people who believe they have found any material to stay away from it and to please contact local officials. The local first responder groups for emergency services have been authorized and directed by Secretary Tom Ridge to assist in any way. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is coordinating that effort on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security.

"I was here this morning with the families of the astronauts and their friends. It started out as a pretty happy morning, as we awaited the landing of STS-107. We had highly anticipated their return because we couldn't wait to congratulate them for their extraordinary performance and
their excellent effort on this very important science mission.

"They dedicated their lives to pushing scientific challenges for all of us here on Earth. They dedicated themselves to that objective and did it with a happy heart, willingly and with great enthusiasm.

"The loss of this valued crew is something we will never be able to get over. We have assured the families that we will do everything, everything we can possibly do to guarantee that we work our way through this horrific tragedy. We ask the members of the media to honor that too. Please
respect their privacy and please understand the tragedy that they are going through at this time. We will help the media assure that this will be the case as well.

"We trust the prayers of the Nation will be with them and with their families. A more courageous group of people you could not have hoped to know- an extraordinary group of astronauts who gave their lives-and the families of these crewmembers. They knew exactly the risks. And never, ever did we want to see a circumstance in which this could happen.

"We diligently dedicate ourselves every single day to assuring these things don't occur. And when they do we have to act responsibly, accountably and that is exactly what we will do."

For more information on the Internet:

www.nasa.gov


-end-

* * *

Robert Mirelson
Headquarters, Washington Feb. 1, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-1600) 5 p.m. EST

Eileen Hawley
Johnson Space Center, Houston
(Phone: 281-483-5111)

RELEASE: 03-033

NASA ASKS FOR HELP WITH COLUMBIA INVESTIGATION

NASA has established a telephone hotline and electronic mail address for the public to use for reporting information that may help investigators studying today's Space Shuttle mishap.

Anyone who discovers debris from the accident or who has film or video evidence that may be of value to the investigation team is urged to use these contacts. Please avoid contact with any debris, because it may be hazardous as a result of toxic propellants aboard the Shuttle.

Telephone reports should be directed to the following number:

281/483-3388

Text reports and images should be e-mailed to:

nasamitimages@jsc.nasa.gov

The e-mail address is:
columbiaimages@nasa.gov

All debris is U.S. Government property and is critical to the investigation of the mishap. All debris from the accident is to be left alone and reported to Government authorities. Unauthorized persons found in possession of accident debris will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.


-end-


* * *”

“Thanks Tilt. It is terrible.”

“God bless their souls and their family and friends and countries...”

“Thank God we live in a country and era that will allow us to get back into outer space ASAP.”

“For Sure, folks.”

“Very sad.”

“I've just got to say...

I turned on C-SPAN yesterday evening to see what they were saying about the situation. They were having a period of "open phones" and it was pretty damn sickening.

I don't know who started it, but folks from the Left and Right were flaming the crap out of each other when the issue at hand was SUPPOSED to be the loss of the crew of the shuttle Columbia.

It was grotesque. It made me ashamed to be an American to hear garbage like that.”

“"It made me ashamed to be an American..."
Tilt
05:48:47 AM
02/02/03

The shame is not on you, my friend.”

“Thanks, FG.

I still can't believe those people. It reminded me too much of the people who started up the same old crap just a day or two after 9-11.

O Well... I think the coffee is ready!”

“Glenn Mahone/Bob Jacobs
Headquarters, Washington February 2, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-1898/1600)

RELEASE: 03-034

NASA ANNOUNCES SPACE SHUTTLE COLUMBIA ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION BOARD (THE GEHMAN BOARD)

NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe today announced the members of the Space Shuttle Mishap Interagency Investigation Board, which will provide an independent review of the events and activities that led up to the tragic loss of the seven astronauts Saturday on board the Space Shuttle Columbia.

The board's first meeting is scheduled for tomorrow at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana.

Retired U.S. Navy Admiral Harold W. Gehman, Jr., who co-chaired the independent commission that investigated the attack on the U.S.S. Cole in Aden, Yemen, Oct. 12, 2000, and once served as the commander-in-chief of U.S. Joint Forces Command, will chair the panel.

"While the NASA family and the entire world mourn the loss of our colleagues, we have a responsibility to quickly move forward with an external assessment to determine exactly what happened and why," said Administrator O'Keefe. "We're honored to have such a distinguished panel of experts, led by Admiral Gehman."

Other members of the investigative board includes:

* Rear Admiral Stephen Turcotte, Commander, U.S. Naval Safety Center, Norfolk, Va.
* Major General John L. Barry, Director, Plans and Programs, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio
* Major General Kenneth W. Hess, Commander, U.S. Air Force Chief of Safety, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.
* Dr. James N. Hallock, Aviation Safety Division Chief, U.S. Department of Transportation, Cambridge, Mass.
* Steven B. Wallace, Director of Accident Investigation, Federal Aviation Administration, Washington
* Brigadier General Duane Deal, Commander 21st Space Wing, Peterson Air Foce Base, Colo.

Several senior NASA leaders also will be a part of the panel, including G. Scott Hubbard, Director, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif. Bryan D. O'Connor, NASA
Associate Administrator and former astronaut, Office of Safety and Mission Assurance, Headquarters, will serve as Ex-Officio Member, and Theron Bradley, Jr., NASA Chief Engineer, NASA Headquarters, Washington, will be Executive Secretary.

"We need to be responsible, accountable, and extremely thorough in this investigation," added Administrator O'Keefe. "This panel is charged with a most difficult task, but I am
confident in their ability, their integrity, and their dedication to doing what's right. Their findings will help push America's space program successfully into the future."

"Currently, NASA is beginning an internal investigation, drawing on the extensive expertise throughout the agency. Public officials for NASA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and other federal, state, and local entities are coordinating talents to help find the cause of this tragedy," concluded Administrator O'Keefe.

Additional information about the investigation and the STS-107 mission is available on the Internet at:

http://www.nasa.gov

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov


-end-


* * *”

“Robert Mirelson
Headquarters, Washington Feb. 2, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-1600) 1:00 p.m. EST

RELEASE: 03-036

NASA PRESS CONFERENCES ANNOUNCED

A press conference by Space Shuttle Program Manager Ron Dittemore and the Director of Flight Crew Operations, Bob Cabana will take place from NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, at 4:30 p.m. EST today. The briefing will be carried on NASA TV with limited two-way question and answer capability from other agency centers.

NASA is planning two-per-day press briefings starting Monday, Feb. 3, 2003. There will be a daily press briefing from NASA Headquarters, 300 E Street SW, Washington, at 11:30 a.m. EST and at 4:30 p.m. EST from the Johnson Space Center. Senior NASA officials will participate in the press briefings.

NASA TV is on AMC-2, Transponder 9C, vertical polarization at 85 degrees west longitude, 3880 MHz, with audio at 6.8 MHz.

More information will be released as it becomes available. NASA information is available on the Internet at:

www.nasa.gov


-end-


* * *”

“That sucks!

8(”

“Glenn Mahone/Bob Jacobs
Headquarters, Washington February 2, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-1898/1600)

Eileen Hawley
Johnson Space Center, Houston
(Phone: 281/483-5111)

RELEASE: 03-37

NASA MEMORIAL SERVICE SCHEDULED AT JOHNSON SPACE CENTER

The President and Mrs. George W. Bush will join NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe Tuesday afternoon in paying tribute to the brave heroes of the Space Shuttle Columbia crew during a special memorial service at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The ceremony to honor NASA astronauts Rick Husband, William McCool, Michael Anderson, Kalpana Chawla, David Brown, Laurel Clark, and Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon is scheduled to begin at 12:45 p.m. EST in the Central Mall area behind Building One. Gates are scheduled to open at 10 a.m.

This is a private ceremony for family members, friends, and invited guests, along with NASA employees and contractors. The service will be carried live on NASA Television and available on the Internet at www.nasa.gov.

Media access to the memorial service will be restricted with television and still photography access provided on a pool basis.

NASA Television is available on AMC-2, transponder 9C, C-Band, located at 85 degrees West longitude. The frequency is 3880.0 MHz. Polarization is vertical and audio is monaural at 6.8 MHz.

Additional information about the STS-107 crew and the Space Shuttle Columbia is available on the Internet at http://spaceflight.nasa.gov.


-end-


* * *


Robert Mirelson
Headquarters, Washington February 2, 2003
(Phone: 202/3580-1600)

Eileen Hawley
Johnson Space Center, Houston
(Phone: 281/483-5111)

RELEASE: 03-040

SPACE SHUTTLE COLUMBIA ACCIDENT BRIEFINGS SCHEDULED

Two briefings are scheduled Monday in NASA's continuing effort to keep the public up-to-date on the latest developments involving the investigation into the tragic accident that killed the seven-member crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia.

The first briefing is scheduled at NASA Headquarters Monday morning at 11:30 a.m. EST. A second briefing is tentatively scheduled for 4:30 p.m. EST from the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Both briefings will feature questions from reporters at participating NASA centers and will be broadcast live on NASA Television.

NASA TV is available on AMC-2, transponder 9C, C-Band, located at 85 degrees West longitude. The frequency is 3880.0 MHz. Polarization is vertical and audio is monaural at 6.8 MHz.

Additional information is available on the Internet at:

http://www.nasa.gov

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov


-end-


* * *”

“Glenn Mahone/Bob Jacobs
Headquarters, Washington February 3, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-1898/1600)

Eileen Hawley
Johnson Space Center, Houston
(Phone: 281/483-5111)

RELEASE: 03-042

JOHNSON SPACE CENTER MEMORIAL TIME UPDATED

The President and Mrs. George W. Bush will join NASA
Administrator Sean O'Keefe Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 4, in
paying tribute to the brave heroes of the Space Shuttle
Columbia crew during a special memorial service at the NASA
Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The ceremony to honor NASA astronauts Rick Husband, William
McCool, Michael Anderson, Kalpana Chawla, David Brown, Laurel
Clark, and Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon is scheduled to begin
at 1 p.m. EST in the Central Mall area behind Building One.
Gates are scheduled to open at 10 a.m. EST.

This is a private ceremony for family members, friends, and
invited guests, along with NASA employees and contractors. The
service will be carried live on NASA Television and available
on the Internet at: www.nasa.gov.

Media access to the memorial service will be restricted with
television and still photography access provided on a pool
basis.

NASA Television is available on AMC-2, transponder 9C, C-Band,
located at 85 degrees west longitude. The frequency is 3880.0
MHz. Polarization is vertical and audio is monaural at 6.8
MHz.

Additional information about the STS-107 crew and the Space
Shuttle Columbia is available on the Internet at:
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov.



-end-

* * *


Robert Mirelson
Headquarters, Washington Feb. 3, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-1600)

RELEASE: 03-043

STATEMENT FROM THE FAMILIES OF SPACE SHUTTLE COLUMBIA

On January 16th, we saw our loved ones launch into a brilliant, cloud-free
sky. Their hearts were full of enthusiasm, pride in country, faith in their God,
and a willingness to accept risk in the pursuit of knowledge --- knowledge that
might improve the quality of life for all mankind. Columbia's 16–day mission of
scientific discovery was a great success, cut short by mere minutes ---- yet it
will live on forever in our memories. We want to thank the NASA family and people
from around the world for their incredible outpouring of love and support.
Although we grieve deeply, as do the families of Apollo 1 and Challenger before
us, the bold exploration of space must go on. Once the root cause of this tragedy
is found and corrected, the legacy of Columbia must carry on --- for the benefit
of our children and yours.






-end-

* * *


Robert Mirelson
Headquarters, Washington February 3, 2003
(Phone: 202/3580-1600)

Eileen Hawley
Johnson Space Center, Houston
(Phone: 281/483-5111)

RELEASE: 03-044

SHUTTLE COLUMBIA ACCIDENT PRESS CONFERENCE SCHEDULE CHANGED

The press conference schedule for Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2003
has changed.

There will not be a NASA Headquarters press conference at
11:30 a.m. EST on Feb. 4. It has been cancelled out of
respect for the Space Shuttle Columbia crew memorial service
and to allow NASA employees to watch the tribute.

There will not be a 4:30 EST press conference at the Johnson
Space Center tomorrow. The 4:30 EST press conference for Feb.
4, 2003 will be in the NASA Headquarters auditorium, 300 E
Street SW, Washington.

The press conference will feature questions from reporters at
participating NASA centers and will be broadcast live on NASA
Television. There will be an 11:30 a.m. EST press conference
at NASA Headquarters and a 4:30 p.m. press conference at the
Johnson Space Center on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2003.

NASA TV is available on AMC-2, transponder 9C, C-Band,
located at 85 degrees west longitude. The frequency is 3880.0
MHz. Polarization is vertical and audio is monaural at 6.8
MHz.

Additional information is available on the Internet at:

http://www.nasa.gov

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov

-end-


* * *


Robert Mirelson
Headquarters, Washington February 2, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-4495)

RELEASE: 03-038

HANDLE SPACE SHUTTLE DEBRIS WITH CAUTION

Debris from the Space Shuttle Columbia may be
dangerously contaminated with toxic substances and cause
serious injury if handled. Individuals who think they may
have come in contact with Shuttle debris should take a
shower with soap and water and then seek medical attention.

Individuals are advised to avoid all additional contact with
the suspected Shuttle material. Clothing that may have come
in contact with the suspected debris should be removed with
care to avoid skin contact with cloth that may have been
contaminated. Place the clothing in a plastic bag for later
analysis.

If your physician has any questions, please have him or her
contact the NASA Emergency Action Center at 281/483-3388.

More information is available on the Internet at:

http://www.nasa.gov/columbia/


-end-


* * *”

“Glenn Mahone/Bob Jacobs
Headquarters, Washington Feb. 4, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-1600)

Eileen Hawley
Johnson Space Center, Houston
(Phone: 281/481-5111)

Dwayne Brown
Lufkin Command Center
Lufkin, Texas
(Phone: 936/699-1019)

RELEASE: 03-047

SPACE SHUTTLE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION BOARD CHAIR
TOURS RECOVERY AREA

The following is a statement from retired Admiral Harold
W. Gehman, Jr., who chairs the independent Space Shuttle
Accident Investigation Board. Admiral Gehman toured the
recovery area today with other members of the investigative
panel.

"The purpose of our visit here today is to get out and look
at some of the debris recovery area. This makes the accident
more personal to us and prevents it from becoming an abstract
event.

"We're not going to solve this today. We're here to see what
the debris looks like and to get a sense of it personally.

"There are over 20 investigatory teams working on the various
aspects of the Columbia accident. The board will take
supervisory authority over all these activities.

"I'd like to compliment the many agencies involved in this
effort. As you know, FEMA is in charge of the recovery
effort, and our hats are off to the wonderful work they are
doing.

"We have no timetable, but we have two main responsibilities
here. One is to future astronauts, who need to know we've
done everything possible to make it safe for them to fly. The
other is to the three people currently in orbit on the
International Space Station, who need to have the Shuttle
program fly as soon as possible."


-end-


* * *


Glenn Mahone/Bob Jacobs
Headquarters, Washington Feb. 4, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-1600)

RELEASE: 03-048

SHUTTLE ACCIDENT BRIEIFING SET FOR HEADQUARTERS

A press briefing is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. EST today in
Washington at NASA Headquarters in connection with the
investigation into the Space Shuttle Columbia accident.

Michael Kostelnik, Deputy Associate Administrator for the
Space Shuttle and International Space Station programs, will
conduct the briefing, which will be broadcast on NASA
Television.

Reporters will be able to ask questions from participating
NASA centers. Headquarters is located at 300 E Street, SW,
Washington, 20456.

NASA Television is available on AMC-2, transponder 9C, C-
Band, located at 85 degrees west longitude. The frequency is
3880.0 MHz. Polarization is vertical and audio is monaural at
6.8 MHz.

Additional information about NASA is on the Internet at
www.nasa.gov.


-end-


* * *”

“Glenn Mahone/Robert N. Mirelson
Headquarters, Washington Feb. 4, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-1600)

Eileen Hawley
Johnson Space Center
(Phone: 281/483-5111)

RELEASE: 03-051

NASA PROVIDES UPDATE ABOUT COLUMBIA INVESTIGATION

As NASA paused to pay tribute to Columbia's astronauts, the
agency reported making "considerable progress" in recovering debris
from the Space Shuttle and analyzing data in the search for clues to
what caused the orbiter to breakup 16 minutes before its landing last
Saturday.

President and Mrs. Bush joined NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe in
honoring astronauts Rick Husband, William McCool, Dave Brown,
Kalpana Chawla, Mike Anderson, Laurel Clark and Ilan Ramon in a
ceremony at the Johnson Space Center, Houston. President Bush said
the nation was "blessed" to have such men and women serving the
space program, and although NASA is being tested at this time,
"America's space program will go on."

In an afternoon briefing, Michael Kostelnik, NASA's Associate
Administrator for International Space Station and Space Shuttle said
several engineering teams continue to work round-the-clock to
reconstruct the timeline of the final minutes of Columbia's flight from
extensive data that is being analyzed.

Kostelnik said the Columbia Accident Investigation Board, chaired by
retired U.S. Navy Admiral Harold W. Gehman, Jr., is on scene at
Barksdale Air Force Base, La. where the recovery of debris and human
remains is being coordinated.

Kostelnik reported that larger and denser pieces of debris have been
found in Louisiana, possibly including parts of Columbia's main
engines. He said recovery teams have been dispatched to California
and Arizona, where debris has been reported. Kostelnik indicated
debris recovered from areas farthest to the west would be critical,
possibly providing information about the early stages of Columbia's
breakup.

Earlier today, a Russian Progress resupply ship successfully docked to
the International Space Station at 9:49 a.m. EST, delivering a ton of
food, fuel and supplies to Expedition 6 Commander Ken Bowersox,
Flight Engineer Nikolai Budarin and NASA ISS Science Officer Don
Pettit. Progress has given the Station resident crew a "solid" supply of
consumables, enough to sustain operations through at least late June,
according to Kostelnik.

Bowersox, Budarin and Pettit opened the hatches between the ISS
and the Progress today, and they will begin unloading its supplies on
Wednesday.

Asked about contingency planning for the Station for the rest of the
year, Kostelnik said all options to sustain a human presence on board
in the temporary absence of Shuttle flights are being explored. The
next Shuttle flight aboard Atlantis in March was to have brought the
Expedition 7 crew to the ISS and returned to Earth the current resident
crew.

Two STS-107 update briefings will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 5.
They will be broadcast on NASA Television with multi-center question
and answer capability for reporters at NASA centers. The first briefing,
with NASA Associate Administrator for Space Flight Bill Readdy, is
from NASA Headquarters in Washington at 11:30 a.m. EST. The
second, with Space Shuttle Program Manager Ron Dittemore, from the
Johnson Space Center, is at 4:30 p.m. EST.

NASA TV is on AMC-2, Transponder 9C, vertical polarization at 85
degrees west longitude, 3880 MHz, with audio at 6.8 MHz.


-end-


* * *


Glenn Mahone/Bob Jacobs
Headquarters, Washington Feb. 4, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-1600)

RELEASE: 03-050

SHUTTLE ACCIDENT BRIEFINGS SET

A press briefing is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. EST Wednesday in
Washington at NASA Headquarters in connection with the
investigation into the Space Shuttle Columbia accident.

NASA's Associate Administrator for Space Flight Bill Readdy, Michael
Kostelnik, Deputy Associate Administrator for the Space Shuttle and
International Space Station programs, and Dr. Howard Ross, NASA's
Acting Associate Deputy Administrator for Science for the Office of
Biological and Physical Research, will discuss the status of the
accident investigation and the research that was the focus of
Columbia's last mission. Reporters will be able to ask questions from
participating NASA centers. Headquarters is located at 300 E Street,
SW, Washington, 20456.

Ron Dittemore, NASA's Space Shuttle Program Manager, will update
the press on the mishap investigation at 4:30 p.m. EST from the
Johnson Space Center. Reporters will be able to ask questions from
participating NASA centers

The press conferences will be broadcast on NASA Television. NASA
Television is available on AMC-2, transponder 9C, C-Band, located at
85 degrees west longitude. The frequency is 3880.0 MHz. Polarization
is vertical and audio is monaural at 6.8 MHz.

Additional information about NASA is on the Internet at

www.nasa.gov


-end-


* * *”

“Dolores Beasley/Melissa Motichek
Headquarters, Washington February 5, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-1753/1141)

RELEASE: 03-52

RESEARCHERS ASSESS STATUS OF STS-107 SCIENTIFIC DATA

The launch of the Space Shuttle Columbia on January 16,
2003 represented an exciting time for the international
research community. Columbia carried more than 80
experiments on a 16-day mission devoted entirely to science.

NASA and its researchers are working to determine exactly
how much data was lost with the Columbia crew. Some
scientific data from Columbia was downlinked to experimental
teams on Earth during the mission.

The payload data were impounded by investigators looking
into Saturday's accident, so it will take some time to
evaluate the results. Already, researchers are pointing to
several achievements by the Columbia astronauts, and by the
scientists on the ground who supported them. These include:

* Shuttle astronauts created and observed the weakest
flames ever created. High-quality image data from the
SOFBALL (Structure of Flame Balls at Low Lewis-Number)
experiment exists and, according to the project's Principal
Investigator, can help scientists develop models of
combustion chemistry for cleaner-burning engines.

* The Laminar Soot Processes experiment also saw flame
phenomena never before created on or off Earth. Soot is
both a significant hazard to health and engine performance
on Earth, and under controlled circumstances, a useful
industrial product.

* The MIST (Water Mist Fire Suppression) experiment, which
was designed to investigate the use of fine water mists in
firefighting, achieved a qualitative understanding for
different water concentrations.

* The Israeli Mediterranean Dust Experiment, or MEIDEX,
studied the effects of desert dust and smoke plumes on the
climate and obtained important still images and video to be
studied in the future. The MEIDEX experiment also resulted
in the first calibrated images of an atmospheric phenomenon
known as an "elf," or an electrical halo that glows over the
tops of storm clouds.

* A life sciences experiment on prostate cancer aboard
Columbia documented greater-than-expected growth of tumor
aggregates in space.

However, most of the other experiments on STS-107, such as
those in Life Sciences, relied heavily on specimens,
samples, and other data that were lost with Columbia.

NASA remains committed to the pursuit of science in space,
knowing that the unique environment offers something never
before achievable in the history of humankind: a glimpse of
what our life -- what nature itself -might be like in a
world with a different level of gravity.

"All seven Columbia astronauts sought to advance human
exploration of space," said Mary Kicza, Associate
Administrator for NASA's Office of Biological and Physical
Research. "They dedicated their lives to NASA and their
countries, and helped us uncover knowledge that could help
improve the lives of all people."

More information on the research performed by the Columbia
crew is available on the internet at:

http://spaceresearch.nasa.gov


-end-


* * *


Glenn Mahone/Bob Jacobs
Headquarters, Washington Feb. 5, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-1600)

Kyle Herring
Johnson Space Center, Houston
(Phone: 281/483-5111)

436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Dover Air Force Base, Del.
(Phone: 302/677-3372/3375/3693)

RELEASE: 03-053

DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR MEETS SPACE SHUTTLE
COLUMBIA ASTRONAUTS' REMAINS AT DOVER AFB

Today, Deputy NASA Administrator Frederick Gregory will
render honors to the crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia at
Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. The remains of the
orbiter's seven astronauts are scheduled to arrive in flag-
draped caskets at Dover about 2 p.m. EST on board a C-141
Starlifter.

The seven astronauts - Commander Rick Husband (Colonel,
USAF), Pilot Willie McCool (Commander, USN) and Mission
Specialists Michael Anderson (Lieutenant Colonel, USAF),
David Brown (Captain, USN), Kalpana Chawla and Laurel Clark
(Commander, USN), and Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon (Colonel,
Israel Force) - died Saturday when the Space Shuttle Columbia
broke up over the southern United States.

The Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs at the base
will prepare the remains for return to the families. Ramon's
remains will be flown to his home in Israel for burial. Final
funeral arrangements for the crew are still to be announced.

Video and still images of the private Honor Guard reception
will be included in a NASA Television video feed later today
and available on the agency's Internet site at www.nasa.gov.


-end-


* * *



Glenn Mahone/Bob Jacobs
Headquarters, Washington Feb. 5, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-1600)

RELEASE: 03-054

SHUTTLE ACCIDENT BRIEFINGS SET

A press briefing is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. EST Thursday
in connection with the investigation into the Space Shuttle
Columbia accident.

Ron Dittemore, NASA's Space Shuttle Program Manager, will
update the press on the mishap investigation from the Johnson
Space Center. Reporters will be able to ask questions from
participating NASA centers. There is no press conference
scheduled in Washington Thursday.

The press conferences will be broadcast on NASA Television.
NASA Television is available on AMC-2, transponder 9C, C-
Band, located at 85 degrees west longitude. The frequency is
3880.0 MHz. Polarization is vertical and audio is monaural at
6.8 MHz.

Additional information about NASA is on the Internet at
www.nasa.gov.


-end-


* * *



Glenn Mahone/Robert Mirelson
Headquarters, Washington Feb. 5, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-1600)

RELEASE: 03-055

NASA MISSION CONTROL CENTER STATUS REPORT

The search for clues about what caused Columbia's
breakup during reentry Saturday, and the hunt for key debris
from the orbiter, expanded today with recovery teams
deployed in California and Arizona.

Four days after Columbia broke apart 16 minutes prior to
landing, Space Shuttle Program Manager Ron Dittemore said
the inquiry into the cause for Columbia's demise is "picking
up speed". But Dittemore said efforts to draw any new
information from an additional 32 seconds of data acquired
by ground computers following the loss of voice
communications with Columbia have so far been unsuccessful.

In a briefing, Dittemore said the engineering evaluation
teams are focusing their attention on "something other" than
insulating foam on Columbia's external tank that fell off 80
seconds after launch striking the left wing, as the reason
for the accident.

"It does not make sense that a piece of (foam) debris caused
the loss of Columbia and its crew," Dittemore added. He
reiterated Columbia tried to compensate for increased drag
on its left wing in the seconds prior to its breakup, firing
steering jets to right itself. But Dittemore said of
Columbia, "It was doing well, but it was losing the battle."

As the engineering analysis continued, the remains of
Columbia's astronauts were flown to Dover Air Force Base,
Delaware, where identification of the astronauts will be
completed. At the conclusion of the forensic analysis, the
remains will be released to the families for burial.

Dittemore mentioned that three reports dealing with Space
Shuttle thermal protection tiles were available for review
by the news media. Two of those documents are available via
the Internet. The third is available in hardcopy from the
JSC newsroom. The titles and website addresses for that
information are:


RISK MANAGEMENT FOR THE TILES OF THE SPACE SHUTTLE – 1994 (PDF)

http://www.informs.org/Press/SpaceShuttle.pdf



STS-87 POST-FLIGHT INSPECTION - 1997

http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/people/journals/space/katnik/sts87
-12-23.html


In an earlier briefing, Michael Kostelnik, NASA's Associate
Administrator for International Space Station and Space
Shuttle, said the recovery operations are moving ahead "full
steam", involving 2500 people nationwide from federal and
local agencies. Kostelnik said NASA has added a task force
to integrate the work between numerous engineering teams
that are reviewing over Columbia's data and the Columbia
Accident Review board, chaired by retired Navy Admiral
Harold Gehman, Jr.

Kostelnik said that although a relatively small percentage
of Shuttle debris has been recovered so far, segments of
large components such as Columbia's nose cone and main
engines have been found. The focus of the recovery effort
and the data analysis, according to Kostelnik, continues to
be Columbia's left wing area, although no element of the
orbiter has been exonerated in the ongoing inquiry.

Aboard the International Space Station, Expedition 6
Commander Ken Bowersox, Flight Engineer Nikolai Budarin and
NASA ISS Science Officer Don Pettit spent the day unloading
the Russian Progress resupply ship that docked to the ISS
Tuesday, carrying one ton of food, fuel and supplies.

Pettit unstowed replacement parts for the Microgravity
Science Glovebox from the Progress and installed them in the
facility in the Destiny laboratory in an effort to revive
the Glovebox that has been dormant since November following
a power failure.

Pettit powered up the Glovebox, but a circuit breaker in the
system popped and payload controllers told Pettit to shut it
down so they can evaluate its current status.

On Thursday, NASA Television will broadcast a memorial
ceremony for Columbia's astronauts from National Cathedral
in Washington, D.C. at 10:00 a.m. EST.

The next STS-107 Accident Response briefing will be held on
Thursday at 4:30 p.m. EST from the Johnson Space Center,
Houston, also on NASA TV, with multi-center question and
answer capability for reporters at NASA centers.

NASA TV is on AMC-2, Transponder 9C, vertical polarization
at 85 degrees west longitude, 3880 MHz, with audio at 6.8
MHz.


-end-


* * *”

“Glenn Mahone/Robert Mirelson
Headquarters, Washington Feb. 6, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-1600)

RELEASE: 03-057

NASA UPDATES COLUMBIA ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

The independent board charged with determining what caused the destruction of the Space Shuttle Columbia, and the loss of seven astronauts, began work today at the Johnson Space Center, Houston. Recovery teams continued to search for debris.

Under the leadership of retired Navy admiral Harold Gehman,
Jr., the Columbia Accident Investigation Board received a
briefing from Shuttle Program Manager Ron Dittemore. The board
began the process of gathering material collected so far since
Columbia's breakup during reentry just 16 minutes before landing on Feb 1.

NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe reaffirmed the Board will act
as a "totally independent entity in assessing all of the factors" associated with Columbia's loss. Administrator O'Keefe added, "We will be guided by the findings of the Board."

As search teams looked for debris throughout the west, the
southwest and the Gulf Coast, Administrator O'Keefe said he
met with the International Space Station Partners today following the memorial ceremony for Columbia's astronauts at
Washington's National Cathedral. He said the Partners expressed their support for the recovery effort and NASA's vow to find the cause for the accident for the resumption of safe flight operations.

O'Keefe indicated Admiral Gehman may consider adding another
member or members to the Independent Board that have no
affiliation or ties to NASA in further strengthening its charter. The Charter is available on line at:

http://www.nasa.gov/columbia/board_documents.pdf

O'Keefe will appear before a joint hearing of the Senate and House Science Committees, Wednesday, Feb. 12, to provide details of the progress of the investigation.
In his afternoon briefing, Dittemore described the pace of the inquiry and data and debris collection as "fast and furious".
He said the Shuttle program would support Admiral Gehman's Board "in any way we can".

Dittemore said more than 1000 pieces of Shuttle debris have
been recovered. Items found as far west as California are currently being analyzed to see whether they are from Columbia. As of today, no debris found west of Fort Worth,
Texas has been positively identified as coming from Columbia.

"No possibility is being ruled out as the root cause for Columbia's loss," Dittemore said. "We are still looking for that elusive missing link." Dittemore said bad weather in the west today hampered efforts to recover additional debris. The forecast calls for improving conditions by the weekend. The recovered debris will be analyzed at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., before being returned to the Kennedy Space Center for
reconstruction to the extent possible and for final disposition.

Dittemore added a fault tree is being developed based on existing Probability Risk Assessments. The investigation team has received a large number of still images and video, which are being examined to determine if they are authentic and to see if they shed light on the investigation. At the memorial
service at National Cathedral, Vice President Dick Cheney said
of Columbia's astronauts, "They were soldiers and scientists,
doctors and pilots, but above all they were explorers." "They
were envoys to the unknown," Cheney added. "They advanced
human understanding by showing human courage."

Aboard the Space Station, the crew continued to unload the Russian Progress resupply ship that docked Tuesday, carrying one ton of food, fuel and supplies. Payload controllers continued to analyze the new power components installed
yesterday in the Microgravity Science Glovebox in the Destiny
laboratory to try to determine why a circuit breaker popped after it was powered. The science facility remains off while the troubleshooting effort is underway.

On Friday, a memorial ceremony for Columbia's astronauts will
be held at the Kennedy Space Center. Florida Governor Jeb
Bush, Administrator O'Keefe and former astronaut Robert Crippen, Columbia's first pilot on its maiden flight, STS-1, on April 12, 1981, will attend. The ceremony will be broadcast live on NASA Television at 8:15 a.m. EST, the exact time of Columbia's deorbit burn last Saturday. NASA TV is on AMC-2, Transponder 9C, vertical polarization at 85 degrees west
longitude, 3880 MHz, with audio at 6.8 MHz.

The next STS-107 Accident Response briefing is on Friday at 4:30 p.m. EST from the Johnson Space Center. It will be on NASA TV, with question and answer capability for reporters at NASA centers.

For more information, view NASA on the Internet at: www.nasa.gov


-end-


***”

“Glenn Mahone/Robert Mirelson
Headquarters, Washington Feb. 7, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-1600)

NOTE TO EDITORS: N03-012

NASA UPDATES COLUMBIA INVESTIGATION

NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for the Space
Shuttle & International Space Station, Mike Kostelnik, will
provide a press update today at 11:30 a.m. EST.

The press conference is in the NASA Headquarters' main
auditorium at 300 E Street SW, Washington.

Ron Dittemore, NASA's Space Shuttle Program Manager, will
conduct a press conference at 4:30 p.m. EST from the Johnson
Space Center, Houston.

The press conferences will be carried live on NASA
Television. Reporters will be able to ask questions during
the press conferences from participating NASA centers.

NASA TV is broadcast on GE-2, transponder 9C, C-Band, located
at 85 degrees west longitude. The frequency is 3880.0 MHz.
Polarization is vertical and audio is monaural at 6.8 MHz.

Information about the Columbia Accident Investigation and
NASA programs is available on the Internet at:

http://www.nasa.gov " TARGET="_blank">http://www.nasa.gov


-end-


* * *



Sonja Alexander
Headquarters, Washington February 7, 2002
(Phone: 202/358-1761)

RELEASE: 03-059

EDUCATOR ASTRONAUT REPORT CARD:
PROGRAM THANKS PUBLIC FOR SUPPORT

NASA thanks the hundreds of students, teachers, and
friends who have sent the Educator Astronaut Program their
thoughts and prayers since the Columbia accident.

"The public and courageous teachers are showing us they are
undaunted by the risks and impassioned to continue the STS-
107 crew's dream to explore and discover," said Dr. Adena
Williams Loston, NASA's Associate Administrator for
Education.

The first phone call the Educator Astronaut Program Office
received after the accident was from a teacher in Texas who
said, "I know what the crew would have us do. I'm going right
ahead and applying for the program."

On Monday, one teacher in Georgia asked her fifth grade class
if they would like to work for NASA. The students almost
unanimously responded, "Yes." The one student who said "No"
explained, "It is not that the crash of the Columbia scared
me, it's just that I have always wanted to be a professional
basketball player."

On the day of the accident, more than 100 students, friends
and families nominated their personal heroes -- their
teachers -- to become Educator Astronauts. Since the
accident, the program has received more than 1,000
nominations.

Educators interested in applying for the program or anyone
interested in nominating a teacher can find the
qualifications on the Internet at:

http://edspace.nasa.gov/qualifications/qualif.html

To learn more about the Educator Astronaut Program and other
NASA education activities visit:

http://edspace.nasa.gov


-end-


* * *



Eileen Hawley
Johnson Space Center, Houston
(Phone: 281/483-5111)

NOTE TO EDITORS: 03-013

NEWS CONFERENCE WITH INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION CREW

Reporters will have a chance to discuss activities
aboard the International Space Station with the Expedition 6
crew during a news conference on Tuesday, Feb. 11, starting
at 9:34 a.m. EST. The news conference is expected to last
about 35 minutes with available video and audio from the
Station.

Expedition Six Commander Ken Bowersox, Flight Engineer
Nikolai Budarin and NASA Station Science Officer Don Pettit
are in the third month of their mission. Bowersox, Budarin
and Pettit are continuing their scientific research on board
the Space Station.

The news conference, which will be broadcast on NASA
Television, will enable multi-center question and answer
capability for reporters at NASA centers. NASA TV is on GE-2,
Transponder 9C, vertical polarization at 85 degrees west
longitude, 3880 MHz, with audio at 6.8 MHz.


-end-


* * *



Glenn Mahone/Robert Mirelson
Headquarters, Washington Feb. 08, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-1600)

RELEASE: 03-060

ASTRONAUT SPOUSES & CHILDREN RELEASE STATEMENT

The Astronaut Spouses Group released the following
statement on Friday, Feb. 7.

"We, the spouses and children of the NASA astronaut corps,
would like to thank the people of the world from the bottom
of our hearts for the incredible outpouring of support and
love that you have shown us in our time of deep grief.

"NASA centers have been overwhelmed with cards, letters,
emails, and phone calls from you expressing your concern and
support. We have also received hundreds of personal calls,
emails, flowers, food, and cards at our homes. The makeshift
shrine in front of the Johnson Space Center is overflowing
with flowers, signs, and balloons from well wishers from all
over the world. Memorial services throughout the world have
honored our dear friends. You, our brothers and sisters of
the world community, have been a tremendous source of
comfort and love to us and we are so grateful. We are deeply
mourning our dear friends Rick, Willie, Mike, Kalpana, Ilan,
Laurel, and Dave and we ask that you continue to keep their
parents, wives, husbands, and children in your thoughts and
prayers.

"We would also like the world community to know that as
terrible and as difficult as this journey has been and will
continue to be for all of our families, we cannot stress
enough how blessed and honored we feel to be counted as
members of the NASA family. We proudly support the noble
goals and objectives of NASA and we will continue to support
NASA in its finest and its darkest hours. It is our deepest
hope that you also will continue to share in our belief and
support of NASA's dreams. We believe NASA is a beacon of
hope and light to all nations, for NASA has proven beyond
the shadow of a doubt, that peoples from all races, genders,
cultures, religions, and political backgrounds can transcend
those differences and become the closest of friends. And
these friends will continue to pursue space exploration and
scientific discovery for the single purpose of helping and
furthering all of mankind. Thank you for your love and
support.

"The husbands, wives, and children of the NASA Astronaut
Corps."


-end-


* * *”

“http://www.charlotte.com/news/ap_news/story/212651.html

I wonder what this jerkoff was thinking.”

“Charge the little turd with attempted murder.

That ought to get his attention.”

“
Fwd: Aerospace Daily

Astronaut-health panel was told of heavy pre-flight alcohol use

A panel reviewing astronaut health issues in the wake of the Lisa Nowak arrest was told that on at least two occasions astronauts were allowed to fly after flight surgeons and other astronauts warned they were so intoxicated that they posed a flight-safety risk.

The panel also reported "heavy use of alcohol" by astronauts in crew quarters before launch, within the standard 12-hour "bottle to throttle" rule applied to pilots of conventional aircraft.

A NASA spokesman declined comment on the findings, which were obtained by Aviation Week & Space Technology. A press conference July 27 will discuss the report.

At the direction of Administrator Michael Griffin, NASA Chief Medical Officer Richard Williams set up the panel to review astronaut medical and psychological screening after Nowak was arrested in Orlando, Fla., Feb. 5 on charges of attempted murder and attempted kidnapping for allegedly stalking and threatening a woman who was dating another astronaut. The attempted murder charge was dropped.

The panel is composed of military and civilian government physicians, psychologists, lawyers, safety experts and astronauts under the chairmanship of U.S. Air Force Col. Richard Bachmann, dean of the Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine. Panel members visited Johnson Space Center in April to gather information from flight surgeons and the astronaut office on astronaut health screening.

Separately, Griffin ordered JSC Director Mike Coats to review intake and ongoing psychological screening for astronaut candidates and astronauts, and to recommend changes if necessary.

Griffin also directed Coats, himself a former astronaut, to "determine whether there were any areas of concern - any leading indicators we might have picked up on, based on Lisa Nowak's dealings with other astronauts or NASA employees," in the words of Deputy Administrator Shana Dale.

In announcing creation of the two panels on Feb. 7, Dale said "while there is no specific, separate psychological examination for a shuttle flight, NASA health care providers are experienced in all aspects of health care, including behavioral health, and they certainly look for any potential issues or problems."

If the accounts collected by the Bachmann panel in its interviews with astronauts and flight surgeons are accurate, the panel's report could trigger another round of management reforms at JSC like those that followed the 2003 Columbia accident. At that time the Columbia Accident investigation Board warned that engineering managers had become complacent and operated in a "culture of invincibility" that contributed to the faulty decisions that preceded the disaster.

Athough originally established after Nowak's highly public arrest, the Bachmann panel report apparently does not deal directly with Nowak or mention any other astronaut by name. Coats' findings also will be part of the July 27 press conference, according to the agency spokesman. Both the Coats and Bachmann panel reports will be released prior to the press conference, which will include Dale, Bachmann, Williams and astronaut Ellen Ochoa, director of flight crew operations at JSC, NASA said.

Frank Morring, Jr. (morring@aviationweek.com)

”

“
July 27, 2007

David Mould/Bob Jacobs/Michael Cabbage
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1600
david.r.mould@nasa.gov, bob.jacobs@nasa.gov, mcabbage@nasa.gov

RELEASE: 07-167

NASA MOVES FORWARD WITH ASTRONAUT ASSESSMENTS

WASHINGTON - NASA Deputy Administrator Shana Dale said the agency is
moving forward to implement many of the recommendations contained in
two studies released Friday about astronaut health and behavioral
assessments.

The two reviews were made public prior to a news conference in
Washington, five months after the agency requested that an
independent external committee conduct a comprehensive review of
health services available to astronauts. Both studies were initiated
in the aftermath of the arrest in February of former astronaut Lisa
Nowak.

The first assessment of astronaut behavioral medicine procedures, an
internal review, was completed by NASA's Johnson Space Center,
Houston, earlier this week. The second assessment, a broader review
by outside experts called the Astronaut Health Care System Review
Committee, was organized by NASA Chief Health and Medical Officer Dr.
Richard Williams.

"The review committee, chaired by Air Force Col. Richard Bachmann,
commander of the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine,
completed a valuable task on short notice and I would like to
acknowledge the group's dedication and time commitment to this
important review," Dale said. "We are committed to improving the
behavioral care and assessment procedures for astronauts."

"We believe the resulting modifications will be good for the astronaut
corps and for NASA."

Dale said NASA immediately will address four primary areas of concern:


NASA Chief of Safety and Mission Assurance Bryan O'Connor, a former
astronaut, began an extensive examination Friday focusing on
allegations of improper alcohol use. O'Connor will review all
existing policies and procedures related to alcohol use and astronaut
medical fitness prior to flight. The goal is to ensure that risks to
flight safety are dealt with by appropriate authorities, and, if
necessary, elevated through a transparent system of senior management
review and accountability.


NASA's Medical Policy Board, made up of senior internal and external
medical experts, will further assess the medical and behavioral
findings and recommendations in the two reviews. The board will
institute behavioral health assessments as a part of annual flight
physicals for all astronauts.


The agency will develop an astronaut code of conduct and has engaged
NASA's astronaut corps to help develop the formal guidelines. The
astronauts already have started to develop an initial set of
recommendations and agency leadership will establish a collaborative
process to create an official code.


To address organizational culture issues outlined in the reports, NASA
will conduct a series of internal assessments, including anonymous
surveys to be completed by astronauts and flight surgeons, to provide
feedback and gather information. The goal is to improve
communications and ensure leadership is responsive to concerns and
complaints.

"We are moving as quickly as we can on the recommendations, and
Administrator Mike Griffin and I will closely monitor progress on
these issues," Dale added. "After the review is completed, it is our
intention to share the findings with the public, to the maximum
extent possible."

For copies of the reports and a complete transcript and video of
Friday's news conference, visit the Internet at:

http://www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/astronautreport.html


-end-



To subscribe to the list, send a message to:
hqnews-subscribe@mediaservices.nasa.gov

”

“Good Grief ---”

“This might be worse than the TT trip binges.”

“The agency will develop an astronaut code of conduct


You mean there is no code of conduct now? Hokey Smokes Rock!”

“Now we know why the space shuttle weighs so much. The liquor cabinet.”

“It wouldnt surprise me if the mercury guys had a snort before lift off but I seriously doubt any of them were "drunk". Times change and you have to admit them boys were a bit nuts. :} Sounds more like sensationalism then fair reporting.”

“one should not drink and drive because it's too easy to hit a bump and spill your beverage.”

“Those lift-offs can be kinda bumpy!  LOL

I heard John Zarella (CNN) say they checked their policies going back to the early days, and Sure Enough, there was absolutely no written policy on drinking before a mission.

He also said that these were completely anonymous surveys, so they have no way of knowing *exactly* how bad the problem is.

You can bet there will be "further inquiry".”

“Did any of the Space Ships wobble?”

“"hey, y'all watch this!"



"I believe I can fly!"


Not sure which one works better here.”

“Talk about yer High Profile Darwin Award ---”

“and definately the most expensive too.”

“Kinda brings a whole different view to

Rocket Man (I Think It's Going To Be A Long Long Time)


Music by Elton John
Lyrics by Bernie Taupin
Available on the album Honky Château



She packed my bags last night pre-flight
Zero hour nine a.m.
And I'm gonna be high as a kite by then
I miss the earth so much I miss my wife
It's lonely out in space
On such a timeless flight

And I think it's gonna be a long long time
Till touch down brings me round again to find
I'm not the man they think I am at home
Oh no no no I'm a rocket man
Rocket man burning out his fuse up here alone

Mars ain't the kind of place to raise your kids
In fact it's cold as hell
And there's no one there to raise them if you did
And all this science I don't understand
It's just my job five days a week
A rocket man, a rocket man

And I think it's gonna be a long long time... ”

“
July 30, 2007

John Yembrick
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-0602
john.yembrick-1@nasa.gov

Nicole Cloutier-Lemasters
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111
nicole.cloutier-1@nasa.gov

MEDIA ADVISORY: 07-096

FEMALE SPACE COMMANDERS AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS

HOUSTON - The first female NASA astronauts to lead missions at the
same time will be together for satellite interviews from 6 to 8 a.m.
CDT on Thursday, Aug. 2. This fall, Peggy Whitson will command the
International Space Station's Expedition 16 crew and Pam Melroy will
command the space shuttle Discovery's STS-120 mission.

To participate in the interviews, media should contact Tim Hinson at
281-483-5111 by noon on Aug. 1.

Whitson will lift off in October aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft for
her second long-duration space mission. She will return to Earth in
April 2008 after six months aboard the station.

Melroy is targeted to launch Oct. 20 on her third spaceflight, a
13-day shuttle mission to install Node 2, a pressurized module that
is a connecting port and passageway to science labs and cargo
spacecraft on the complex. She served as pilot on two prior shuttle
flights.

For Whitson and Melroy's biographical information, visit:

http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios

The interviews will be conducted live via the NASA Television analog
satellite. The NASA TV analog satellite is AMC-6, at 72 degrees west
longitude; transponder 5C, 3800 MHz, vertical with audio at 6.8 MHz.

For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/


-end-

”

“Have these people ever watched 10 minutes of 'The View' on TV?”

“I sure hope not.

Hey Dude!  Chicks in Space!!”

“LOL....You know this is how the last "thing" got started (LOL)”

“Will they be wearing the diapers?”