They Say NASA Hasn't Fixed "Cultural" Issues That Contributed To Columbia Tragedy

Two of NASA's most senior shuttle commanders -- both of whom recently left the space agency, say not enough has been done to correct cultural safety issues that became factors in the destruction of Columbia two years ago.

John Young, commander of the first shuttle mission and James Wetherbee -- who's led five shuttle missions -- say NASA's shuttle program is still driven by scheduling and cost issues.

"We're operating the same way," Wetherbee told USA Today. He said he left his job dealing with space shuttle safety issues at Johnson Space Center, Houston, because he was frustrated at the slow pace of progress on issues that arose in the wake of the Columbia tragedy.

Young, who commanded the ill-fated Columbia on its first-ever mission, said NASA safety problems are the product of wrong thinking.

"You have to do what we did in the Apollo program. You have to plan for the worst and hope for the best," the 74-year old moonwalker told USA Today. "And I don't think we're doing that."

What's NASA's response? The space agency's head of management, James Jennings, told the nationwide newspaper: "This kind of change is not something that happens very rapidly." Another official said, at the very least, change is in progress.

FMI: www.nasa.gov