NASA's advisory panel makes safety recommendations to agency and congress

WASHINGTON - The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA's) Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) released its reports to Congress and NASA, which examines the agency's safety performance, accomplishments, and challenges over the past year.

Much of the ASAP report focused on the transition to commercial low-Earth orbit (LEO), commercial space flight - including to a commercial space station - and the Moon to Mars program.  ASAP notes that plans for a commercial space station may be too optimistic.  

"NASA’s intent to sustain a human presence in LEO depends on a successful transition strategy from ISS [International Space Station] operations to some participation on commercial low-Earth orbit destinations (CLDs)," the ASAP report reads. "NASA’s current plan for ISS transition relies on the CLD industry with timelines that may be unrealistic.

"As one example, while Axiom Space’s design for its commercial destination for ISS (CDISS) is planned to be in orbit by the end of 2026 with minimal research capability, it may not reach full capability prior to ISS early EOL and would need to be able to operate independently. Therefore, as part of the development, NASA is working with Axiom to ensure that they can depart from ISS prior to reaching their full capability and finish their development independently should ISS reach early EOL. Other possible CLD options...remain strongly influenced by market forces. The Panel, watchful of these dynamics, remains concerned that there is not a fully integrated program schedule, with a clearly defined critical path timeline, to enable a seamless transition from ISS operations to another platform with acceptable safety risk. To facilitate a timely, safe transition, NASA needs to fully develop its LEO goals and objectives as clearly articulated and detailed objectives for their sustained human presence in LEO."

The ASAP also noted it has closely followed NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP)and the program's advancements, safety risk management, and overall awareness. Throughout 2023, the ASAP paid particular attention to safety and technical challenges faced by CCP providers and the program's status in achieving its primary objective of ensuring reliable and ongoing access to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Regarding SpaceX, NASA collaborates with the ISS program and SpaceX to modify Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

SpaceX is also actively addressing valve corrosion concerns on reused Dragon capsules. The ASAP advises NASA to be mindful of the high operational pace with SpaceX and to monitor fleet-wide issues for potential risks.

For Boeing, preparations for the Crewed Flight Test (CFT) of the Starliner spacecraft, scheduled for no earlier than mid-April 2024, involve addressing several technical issues. This includes mitigating the risk associated with P-213LW tape in the Starliner crew compartment; conducting a critical drop test of the upgraded drogue and main parachutes, featuring strengthened main canopy suspension lines and redesigned soft link joints; and collaborating with NASA on the long-term battery redesign plan for Starliner, subject to board approval.

Boeing asserts that it will not proceed with the CFT until all identified risks are mitigated to acceptable levels. The ASAP said it will closely monitor the progress in resolving these issues and address any new challenges that may arise, potentially impacting the scheduled CFT launch.

The Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel's full report is available at https://oiir.hq.nasa.gov/asap/.