Michael Braukus
Headquarters, Washington, DC         December 13, 1996
(Phone:  202/358-1979)

RELEASE:  96-257

PANEL REVIEW FINDS SPACE SHUTTLE SAFE

     The Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel concluded after a 
six-month review that efforts to streamline the Space Shuttle 
Program have not increased risks, the panel reported today.

     The review was requested on behalf of the President by 
the Office of Science and Technology Policy.  The panel was 
tasked to review the issues associated with the safe 
operation and management of the Space Shuttle program arising 
from ongoing efforts to improve and streamline operations.  
These efforts include the transition to a comprehensive Space 
Flight Operations Contract, downsizing the Space Shuttle 
workforce and reducing costs of operations and management.

     "I'm very pleased that the panel has given the Space 
Shuttle Program a clean bill of health," said NASA 
Administrator Daniel S. Goldin.  "But the panel also pointed 
out some areas for continuing emphasis and the need to 
improve.  NASA concurs with these findings and I have 
instructed the institutional management and the Space Shuttle 
Program to implement them as soon as possible.  At NASA, 
safety is the bottom line.  This report validates our actions 
and will guide us as we continue."

     The panel's review included 22 recommendations, many of 
which address a need for NASA to take steps to ensure the 
availability of a skilled and experienced workforce in 
sufficient numbers to meet ongoing safety needs.  The panel 
also noted that other activities occurring within the agency 
have the potential to generate safety problems.  It cited 
specifically:  a reduction-in-force during assembly of the 
International Space Station; and a concern that unrealistic 
funding levels and imposed schedules could place undue 
pressure on NASA and contractor management.  The panel said 
that meeting the demands of these externally applied 
pressures can force decisions which increase risk.

                      -end-

NOTE TO EDITORS:  Media representatives can arrange to obtain 
a copy of the report by calling the Headquarters newsroom at 
202/358-1600.