AIA Statement on Columbia Accident Investigation Board Report

8/26/2003

From: Alexis Allen of the Aerospace Industries Association, 703-358-1075 or 202-321-4313 (cell)

WASHINGTON, Aug. 26 -- The following is a statement by AIA president and CEO John W. Douglass on the Columbia Accident Investigation Board Report:

The Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB) Report released today is a thorough and comprehensive analysis of the tragic February 1 accident of the Space Shuttle Columbia. The board, under Admiral Gehman's leadership, has done an excellent job laying out a very detailed report tackling many difficult questions. As Admiral Gehman said in his press briefing this morning, it is now in the hands of the American people and those in government with other relevant parties to engage in a serious and vigorous public policy debate on the future of the U.S. space program.

Of particular concern to AIA and its member companies is the acknowledgement in the report that many years of resource constraints contributed to the Columbia accident. As stated by Admiral Gehman today, a national debate on the future on human space flight is needed in our country. And, as such endeavors are very costly, sufficient resources must be applied to carry them out safely and effectively. This recommendation is in strong agreement with the Commission on the Future of the United States Aerospace Industry Final Report, which stated that our country must "create a space imperative" and invest in new space technologies, particularly in the areas of power and propulsion.

AIA also agrees with the finding that the dwindling research and development funding at NASA led to treating the shuttle as a fully operational vehicle, rather than an experimental test bed that could continue to provide data critical to continued safe operation.

The CAIB Report is clear that the shuttle must be returned to flight in the near future once needed safety improvements are made. This is essential for the completion and continued operation of the International Space Station. The report also made it clear, however, that a replacement vehicle is needed in the very near future. AIA strongly urges the administration and Congress to cooperate and immediately initiate a robust development program that will lead to a replacement vehicle for the shuttle in this decade.

America has led the world in the exploration of space since the inception of the Apollo program. Our endeavors in manned space flight have captured the imagination and pride of citizens all over the world. In this 100th anniversary year of powered flight, AIA urges President Bush to recommit America to a new era of space development that will serve as the foundation for another 100 years of progress in mankind's reach for the stars.