NASA to act after reports of astronauts drinking

NASA has moved quickly to counter an embarrassing report claiming that drunken astronauts were allowed on space flights on two occasions. The report, from a panel convened to examine the agency’s health policies, said there was a “heavy use of alchohol by astronauts.” The panel did not say when the incidents took place or name the astronauts involved.

NASA says it is gravely concerned by the report.
“We will act immediately on the more troubling aspects of this report with respect to alcohol use, and the anecdotal
references to resistance by agency leadership to accepting advice or criticism about the fitness and readiness of individuals for spaceflight.”

The agency also said it was endorsing an astronaut code of conduct and would consider toughening its rules on alchohol use.

NASA set up the panel to examine its health policies after the arrest of astronaut Lisa Nowak on allegations she stalked and attacked a rival.

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