The independent group overseeing NASA's effort to resume shuttle flights said Friday the agency has completed the first steps toward returning to space. After the Feb. 1, 2003, accident that destroyed the space shuttle Columbia and killed all seven astronauts aboard, investigators recommended 15 changes. NASA has completed three changes and is putting into place most of the other recommendations, said Joseph Cuzzupoli, who oversees the technical panel of the Return to Flight Task Group. ``The progress that has been made by NASA in implementing the recommendations of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board are substantial,'' said former shuttle commander Richard Covey, who is leading the task group. Covey said there is still much work to be done before NASA is ``truly ready to return to flight.''
The group say NASA has met recommendations to:- Revisit its agreements with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.
- Audit all major shuttle projects and elements, and implement a new policy that two NASA employees must attend all foam hand-spraying procedures and final reviews of all flight hardware.
- Implement a comprehensive inspection plan for the shuttle's thermal protection system. ``There is no doubt that this vehicle will be the most safe vehicle that has ever flown,'' Cuzzupoli said.
| He means "safest." He's a rocket scientist, not an English major... |
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