An oversight panel has criticized NASA for over reliance on computer models when designing safety modifications for the Space Shuttle.
The NYT states:
“In an interim report, the panel, which is overseeing the space agency’s efforts to comply with the return-to-flight recommendations by Columbia accident investigators, said it was concerned that NASA not fall into the trap of over-reliance on analytical models and assumptions in determining that shuttles were ready to fly again.
The panel, headed by the former astronauts Thomas P. Stafford and Richard O. Covey, said that while models were useful, NASA should guard against using them to make assumptions about equipment changes and flight performance that are not backed up by actual testing and hard data.
In a telephone news conference to discuss the latest revision of the group’s report on NASA’s efforts, Mr. Covey said the space agency’s goal of returning the shuttle to flight this spring after meeting 15 mandatory recommendations was achievable.”
ExpressNewsLine reports on the panels findings:
“According to NASA, the new space shuttle will give its discovery window in May or June. As only 8 recommendations are left to be fulfilled.
Now for launching a space shuttle in may or June NASA has no more major obstacles.
According to Mr. Covey one issue that may arise is the availability of “feasible repair techniques.”
Since the Columbia’s breakup over Texas two years ago that killed seven astronauts, now NASA has scheduled a discovery window in May or June launch, which would be the first shuttle sent aloft.
This Discovery window will include the seven astronauts which will have a hole-repair kit for prevention from any kind of uncertified and rudimentary. If it will fail to return to Earth, then there will be an option of moving into the orbiting space station to await rescue by shuttle Atlantis in a month’s time.
The report said Still NASA has to fulfill eight of 15 recommendations made by the Columbia accident investigators which includes the toughest technological challenges made in the recommendations – preventing the shedding of debris, strengthening the reinforced carbon panels and hardening the orbiter.”
Murdok | Breaking eBusiness News
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