NOAA SATELLITE MISHAP REPORT RELEASED

The NASA Mishap Board investigating damage to the NOAA-N-Prime satellite has released its final report.

On September 6, 2003, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) N-Prime satellite fell to the Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company factory floor in Sunnyvale, Calif. Technicians were working on the spacecraft, when the accident happened. The spacecraft suffered significant damage.

The Board, chaired by the NASA Deputy Associate Administrator of the Science Mission Directorate, had representatives from NASA research centers and the Air Force Space Command, as well as advisors from NOAA and the Federal Aviation Administration.

To view the redacted report on the Internet, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/65776main_noaa_np_mishap.pdf