Spring Break
Astrophysicist discusses NASA
Andy Silva
Issue date: 4/16/03 Section: News
NASA created a special panel on Feb. 2 to investigate what went wrong with the Columbia shuttle and look for ways to prevent a similar tragedy from happening again. The panel's investigation is on-going, but according to the Associated Press, NASA knew two years prior to the Columbia tragedy that other shuttles had severe weakening of wing panels and even ordered an inspection to prevent this type of problem from affecting other shuttles. Tyson said he believes that the panel is doing a good job looking into the tragedy.
"I believe that [the panel] is doing all they can with the information available," Tyson said.
Despite the setbacks, Tyson said there are really only two boundaries for space travel.
"There are two types of boundaries," Tyson said. "One is technology and the other is physics. Humans can visit all the planets with advances in technology. It would be very costly if we did. In traveling to the stars, there is biology preventing it."
"I believe that [the panel] is doing all they can with the information available," Tyson said.
Despite the setbacks, Tyson said there are really only two boundaries for space travel.
"There are two types of boundaries," Tyson said. "One is technology and the other is physics. Humans can visit all the planets with advances in technology. It would be very costly if we did. In traveling to the stars, there is biology preventing it."