Space shuttle sabotaged by contractor
Friday, 27 July 2007 23:01
NASA says it has discovered what appears to be an act of sabotage by a contractor working on the Endeavour space shuttle before its flight in two weeks' time.
NASA said the man had cut wires on non-essential computer equipment before it was loaded onto the shuttle to be taken to the International Space Station.
Spokesman Bill Gerstenmaier said the incident will not stop the flight.
A report released by NASA today confirmed that there were 'some episodes of heavy use of alcohol by astronauts in the immediate preflight period, which led to flight safety concerns'.
The report says that in two instances, flight surgeons or fellow astronauts had raised concerns about the intoxication of astronauts, but that the individuals were still permitted to fly.
The report recommends that NASA ensure its rules are adhered to and foster a culture where everyone is accountable for the safe and responsible use of alcohol.
The findings had earlier been leaked by the flight magazine, Aviation Week.
It said an independent panel was set up by NASA to study astronaut health issues after the arrest in February of former astronaut Lisa Nowak on assault charges.
- Nine News: Ruth McAvinia reports that the space agency is to launch an internal review into astronauts' health following the revelation
- Six One News: Ruth MacAvinia reports on new research carried out by NASA, which has noted a heavy use of alcohol amongst astronauts
- One News: Ruth MacAvinia reports on the discovery that a computer due for the shuttle Endeavour was deliberately damaged
