Posted on 07/26/2007 1:24:56 PM PDT by Stoat
NASA allowed at least two astronauts to fly into space even though they were so drunk that flight surgeons considered them a safety risk, according to a report published Thursday by Aviation Week and Space Technology.
In a brief account reported on the publication's website, the trade journal said an independent health panel commissioned by NASA also found a pattern of ''heavy use of alcohol'' by astronauts before launch.
The report did not include any details about which astronauts or space programs were involved or how recently the problems might have occurred. Since U.S. human space flights began in 1963, 292 American astronauts have been launched.
Bill Gerstenmaier, an associate administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, said Thursday that no mission had ever been jeopardized by an intoxicated astronaut.
''I've never had an incident of that,'' he said. ``There's not been a disciplinary action or anything like that I've been involved with regarding this type of activity.''
NASA scheduled a news conference Friday to discuss the panel's findings.
The study was one of two requested by NASA in the wake of the February arrest in Orlando of astronaut Lisa Nowak, implicated in a bizarre love triangle that involved another astronaut.
Nowak has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted kidnapping, battery and burglary with assault. NASA dismissed her in March.
According to the Aviation Week report, the panel found that ``on at least two occasions, astronauts were allowed to fly after flight surgeons and other astronauts warned they were so intoxicated that they posed a flight-safety risk.''
'The panel also reported `heavy use of alcohol' by astronauts before launch, within the standard 12-hour 'bottle to throttle' rule applied to NASA flight crew members,'' according to the account by Aviation Week reporter Frank Morring Jr.
The study apparently doesn't deal directly with the Nowak incident or mention any other astronaut by name, Morring reported.
Man, how high were they?
RWI?
Rocketing While Intoxicated?
Were they like totally spaced out?
Not that it’s right, it’s not, but “mission specialists” are just excess baggage until they get into orbit.
I understand the reason for the rules. We wouldn’t want the astronauts to run into another rocket in outer space.
Dude, that’s the only way to go up there!
What else are you gonna mix with Tang?
Considerign that the nickname of liquor is “liquid fire” and that the astronauts essentailly deal with hihgly flammabl liquid feuls, it’s kind of apropos.
Although it’s certainly no excuse, it’s easily understandable that anyone being asked to sit on top of a giant bomb that was built at low bid might be wanting a bit of a bracer......
Same thought here.
Tang and Vodka...MMMMMMM GOOD.
just one for the road.
“Well, we’re on orbit. Let’s continue.... Break out the booze.”
Especially when they know in advance that tiles and foam are going to fly off the dang thing. Can’t say I blame them.
“Orbiting whilst hammered” ping
Were they stopped up there by the Space Kadet patrol?
I would need a few under my belt first too. They don’t steer anyway, so what’s the problem.
This is how the Roswell Incident happened.
"But we in the press will mention Nowak anyway because it sells papers. Did you hear she had diapers? Diapers!"
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