Report: drunken astronauts flew on shuttle
Posted: Thu, Jul 26, 2007, 7:03 PM ET (2303 GMT)
Astronauts so intoxicated that they were considered a flight safety risk flew on at least two shuttle missions, according to an independent report to be released tomorrow. Aviation Week reported on its web site Thursday that the astronauts flew despite concerns from flight surgeons and fellow astronauts that they were so intoxicated they threatened the safety of the mission. Investigators also found "heavy" use of alcohol by astronauts in the 12-hour window before launch when consumption is prohibited by flight rules. The finding comes from an independent investigation into astronaut medical and psychological screening promoted by the February arrest of former astronaut Lisa Nowak on attempted kidnapping charges. NASA has scheduled a press conference for Friday afternoon to release the results of the report.
Astronauts so intoxicated that they were considered a flight safety risk flew on at least two shuttle missions, according to an independent report to be released tomorrow. Aviation Week reported on its web site Thursday that the astronauts flew despite concerns from flight surgeons and fellow astronauts that they were so intoxicated they threatened the safety of the mission. Investigators also found "heavy" use of alcohol by astronauts in the 12-hour window before launch when consumption is prohibited by flight rules. The finding comes from an independent investigation into astronaut medical and psychological screening promoted by the February arrest of former astronaut Lisa Nowak on attempted kidnapping charges. NASA has scheduled a press conference for Friday afternoon to release the results of the report.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Friday, July 4
U-M instrument shows what planet Mercury is made of
Univ. of Michigan — 9:58 am ET (1358 GMT) MESSENGER Settles old Debates and Makes new Discoveries at Mercury
JHUAPL — 9:56 am ET (1356 GMT) STFC announces ambitious 1.906bn science funding programme
UK Science and Technology Facilities Council — 9:29 am ET (1329 GMT) In Unique Stellar Laboratory, Einstein's Theory Passes Strict, New Test
NSF — 9:21 am ET (1321 GMT) Start of the Cassini Equinox Mission
ESA — 9:17 am ET (1317 GMT) |
