Tragedy strikes as NASA engineer plunges from shuttle launch pad

by Steven Mostyn - Mar 15 2011, 10:48

Tragedy has once again struck the American space program following news that a NASA-contracted United Space Alliance engineer has died while working on preparations for the launch of space shuttle Endeavour.

The unfortunate engineer in question, James D. Vanover, fell from Launch Pad 39A on Monday morning and was declared dead despite efforts to revive him by Kennedy Space Center medical personnel.

“Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family,” said Virginia Barnes, CEO of the United Space Alliance. “We are also providing our full support to investigating officials in order to determine the cause of the incident as quickly as possible.”

Although it is not yet known exactly where the engineer was working or how he came to fall, Barnes has said it would be “inappropriate” to reveal further details until the investigation has run its course.

As a result of the accident and NASA’s subsequent investigation, all preparation work at Launch Pad 39A has been temporarily suspended.

NASA officials have not yet said whether the incident will impact Mission STS-134, which should see Endeavour blasting for the stars on its final flight this coming April 19.

Mr. Vanover’s demise is apparently the first launch pad death at Kennedy Space Center since 1981.

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