NASA Models Criticized

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." Murdok | Breaking eBusiness News Your source for investigative ebusiness reporting and breaking news.