Feb. 13, 2003

Members of the U.S. Congress and the head of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) agree that investigation of the break-up of the space shuttle Columbia will prompt a larger look at where the U.S. space program is headed. NASA administrator Sean O'Keefe testified February 12 at a joint hearing convened by the House and Senate subcommittees that oversee the space program.

O'Keefe described the initiation of the accident investigation and how the disaster has affected the status of the other projects in the space program. "We have an opportunity here and now to learn from this loss, and renew the boundless spirit of exploration present at NASA's beginning. We will do this by being accountable to the American people for our failings and, we hope, credible and compelling in pursuit of research, exploration, and inspiration for future generations," he said.

Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, said the issues that need attention transcend the loss of Columbia and its seven astronauts as the shuttle reentered Earth's atmosphere on the early morning of February 1. "The lack of long-term goals, or a unifying vision for America's space effort, for example, needs to be addressed. This failing weakened efforts that would have led to the replacement of the Shuttle system long before age became a factor, and age was a factor," Rohrabacher said as he laid out larger goals for an inquiry into the Columbia accident. "This gives us as an opportunity to revisit the fundamentals and make recommendations that will chart America's future space endeavors."

In the days since the accident, concern has emerged in Congress and the press about the need for an independent investigation conducted by objective authorities. O'Keefe assured the congressional panel that the board members will conduct their inquiry with independence and expertise. "Many have been chief investigators on major accidents, and, between them, the Columbia Accident Investigation Board members have the experience of some 50 major investigations to draw upon," he said. "Quite simply, the people who are now on the Board are some of the best in the world at what they do."

Special teams are also working to determine how the suspension in the space shuttle program pending the accident investigation will affect the International Space Station, described by O'Keefe as "the centerpiece initiative of human space flight at NASA." They are studying how to sustain the station, continue its assembly, and best use its research capabilities. "The International Space Station is stable and has sufficient propellant to maintain its orbit for at least a year without support from the Space Shuttle," O'Keefe said.