Letter Sent To Air Force, NASA, FAA By Representatives With Connections To ULA

Several members of Congress led by Colorado Republican Mike Coffman have sent a letter to NASA, the U.S. Air Force, and the FAA questioning the decision to allow SpaceX to lead the investigation into the loss of a Falcon 9 rocket on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral last month.

Many of the signatories to the letter represent districts that have some connection with United Launch Alliance, one of SpaceX's leading competitors for launch business with the government. Coffman's district includes ULA's headquarters.

The Los Angeles Times reports that federal law allows SpaceX to conduct its own investigation with FAA oversight.

NASA's Inspector General also questioned such investigations following the loss of a cargo supply vessel launched by SpaceX in 2015. At the time, the IG determined that allowing SpaceX to lead its own investigation "raises questions about inherent conflicts of interest," However, the IG also determined that the investigation was "transparent" and that other outside parties including the FAA and USAF had access to all of the data and analysis.

The letter also asks whether the Air Force will reconsider its certification of SpaceX to provide launch services for military payloads, and whether NASA will reevaluate the Falcon 9 as a provider of commercial resupply missions for ISS, as well as future commercial crew missions.

According to the paper, SpaceX has declined to comment. NASA did not immediately respond, and the FAA said it had not had a chance to review the document. The Air Force said it would respond to the Congressional representatives "in a timely manner."

(Image from file)

FMI: http://coffman.house.gov