Cocaine discovered in Discovery’s hangar

by Steve Ragan - Jan 15 2010, 09:00

U.S. space administration NASA says it has launched an extensive investigation after a small amount of cocaine was found in a restricted area of the processing hangar for the space shuttle Discovery at Florida's Kennedy Space Center.

A site worker in the hangar discovered a bag containing a small amount of what was described as a white substance outside a restroom. Tests conducted on the substance later confirmed it to be cocaine.

"This is a rare and isolated incident, and I'm disappointed that it happened, but it should not detract from the outstanding work that is being done by a dedicated team on a daily basis," said Kennedy Space Center director Bob Cabana in a statement.

"We are conducting an investigation and working with center security and law enforcement officials to get to the bottom of it," he added. "We have multiple checks and balances in place to ensure the work on the orbiter is done correctly, and I have no concern for Discovery's fitness for flight."

According to NASA, although there are no indications that anyone working on Discovery was under the influence of illegal substances, it is performing drug screenings on everyone who had access to the restricted area.

In all, about 200 official NASA staff and contractors were working in the Discovery hangar at the time the drug was found.

"We have processes that will ensure the integrity of the shuttle," Cabana said. "There is no reason whatsoever to believe this incident will have any impact on Discovery's upcoming launch."

Extensive efforts are being made to ensure flight hardware and equipment that will be used by astronauts during Discovery's upcoming STS-131 mission is completely safe.

Meticulous records are kept on all work that is performed, and shuttle safety and quality assurance teams have the capability to trace individuals' work in detail.

In addition, NASA noted, most work tasks are reviewed and approved by one, or occasionally two, quality inspectors and specialists who verify proper work was carried out on critical flight hardware.

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