NASA Faces in-Flight Shuttle Repair Hitch

NASA might have to consider new approaches to develop in-flight inspection and repair systems for the shuttle fleet, the New York Times reported Friday.

In a progress report, the return-to-flight task force said the National Aeronautics and Space Administration had taken significant steps toward repairing deficiencies outlined by the Columbia Accident Review Board.

The task force is headed by former astronauts Thomas Stafford and Richard Covey.

NASA is working on a 50-foot inspection boom that would be attached to the shuttle’s 50-foot robot arm. The boom would carry a sensor package of cameras and lasers on the end that could make close-up inspections of heat-protection material on the shuttle’s underside and wing edges.

Covey said problems remaining with the boom include adapting the sensors, perfecting computer software to control the system and making the whole thing stable enough to support an attached astronaut making repairs.

While the boom system may be ready to fly by next spring, Covey said the task force feels NASA should start narrowing a list of alternatives in case problems persist.