CAIB Update--Final Installment
It's here.
I'll probably be learning more continuously as the day goes on, so I'll be updating this post as I learn more.
To start with Spaceflight Now has good summaries posted.
Addendum: This may be addressed elsewhere, but having read the summary above, I'm a little disappointed that there's not much culpability aimed above NASA. I had hoped it might note that Congress gives NASA what is essentially federal chump change, and says, OK, now go fly a spaceship.
Addendum: According to this Space.com article, that issue is somewhat addressed, though it's not exactly what I was hoping to hear: ""The end of the Cold War in the late 1980s meant that the most important political underpinning of NASA's Human Space Flight Program -- U.S.-Soviet space competition -- was lost, with no equally strong political objective to replace it." The loss of the Soviet Union as a competitor in the human space flight arena made it difficult for NASA to obtain budget increases through the 1990s. But rather than adjust its expectations to the new realities, the Board said, NASA continued to push an aggressive agenda that included the development and construction of the international space station."
Addendum: Per NASA Watch: "NASA Watch has learned that the White House will respond directly to recommendations made in the Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB) report. The White House response is expected next week. The CAIB's report will be issued tomorrow. The White House will endorse the CAIB report. NASA, specifically Sean O'Keefe, will be tasked with implementation of the board's recommendations. The President will say something along the lines of "we will keep America at the vanguard of spaceflight and will continue the legacy of the Columbia and Challenger astronauts. They will not have died in vain.""
Addendum: Bush has issued a statement regarding the report.

:: :: 09:30 :: David :: [permalink] ::