Posted on 05/01/2019 6:50:11 PM PDT by BenLurkin
When the launch of NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory and Glory missions failed in 2009 and 2011, the agency said it was because their launch vehicle malfunctioned. The clamshell structure (called fairing) encapsulating the satellites as they traveled aboard Orbital ATK's Taurus XL rocket failed to separate on command. Now, a NASA Launch Services Program (LSP) investigation has revealed that the malfunction was caused by faulty aluminum materials. More importantly, the probe blew a 19-year fraud scheme perpetrated by Oregon aluminum extrusion manufacturer Sapa Profiles, Inc., which Orbital ATK fell victim to, wide open.
For almost two decades, employees would doctor failing numbers or violate other testing standards, such as increasing the speed of testing machines or using sample sizes that didn't meet specifications. They'd then provide clients, including government contractors, with falsified certifications.
The company, now known as Hydro Extrusion Portland, Inc., has agreed to pay NASA, the DOJ and other entities $46 million. It's a tiny fraction of the $700 million NASA lost from the failed missions, but at least officials were able to hold SPI accountable for its actions. Sapa Profiles/Hydro Extrusion was also suspended from government contracting on September 30th, 2015, and it can no longer do business with the federal government.
(Excerpt) Read more at engadget.com ...
At least NASA’s buying their rockets from the Russians now.
I want prosecutions
19 years of fraud and no one will go to prison.
Ain’t life grand.
Perkin Elmer Hubble
SpaceX is coming
The Halfrican and his seditious minions let the prosecutions slide....
Anyone who has done business with NASA will know that it is loosey goosey and pretty much up to the vendors and contractors to define agency requirements and conduct their own QC.
Do you have the chart for .095” wrapped piano wire? For Dimms convicted of sedition only, of course. On good authority the optional addition of a 20 pound sandbag produces very splashy results.
Top execs need to have some decent length jail times in unpleasant normal prisons.
Maybe just use a 4-story elevator shaft...
Oregon(D)
*ping*
Great. I’m going to end up with my chin on the platform.
LOLOLOL!!! ;-)
Nothing like outsourcing so some corrupt congresscritter can get a payoff.
Execute them all.
Boy, Bob Sacamano really gets around, doesn’t he?
[ For almost two decades, employees would doctor failing numbers or violate other testing standards, such as increasing the speed of testing machines or using sample sizes that didn’t meet specifications. They’d then provide clients, including government contractors, with falsified certifications. ]
I’ve heard rumors this happens in the aerospace “refurbishing” industry. Specifically, airplane parts.
No, I wouldn’t be able to prove it. Just a story from many decades ago.
Hey the girl behind the counter at Taco Bell last night just moved here from your city.
I didn’t ask if she knew you....
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