SHOULD THERE BE ALCOHOL TESTING AT NASA?
NASA today announced it’s considering limited alcohol testing of employees — including astronauts.
The update came after a health and safety report recommended NASA explore testing astronauts and other employees for drugs and alcohol. The review found no evidence that astronauts have been drunk or drinking heavily before any launch — as suggested by an independent panel. But it mentioned booze-buying runs made for shuttle crews awaiting launch.
Astronauts train at Johnson Space Center in Houston.
NASA Administrator Michael Griffin says he’ll come up with a policy for testing after a mishap or when there are suspicions of substance abuse.
A 1991 law directed NASA to have such a policy, but it’s never been done. Griffin says the agency will now start the process.
