Prediction of Shuttle Problems Came True

By Scott Simon

Published February 8, 2003 at 12:00 AM EST

Richard Blomberg, who spent 15 years on NASA's Aerospace Safety Board, raised concerns nearly a year ago about the safety of future shuttle flights. The forecast now appears prescient, but Blomberg says he did not expect disaster to strike so soon. He speaks to NPR's Scott Simon.

Tags

NPR National News

Scott Simon

Scott Simon is one of America's most admired writers and broadcasters. He is the host of Weekend Edition Saturday and is one of the hosts of NPR's morning news podcast Up First. He has reported from all fifty states, five continents, and ten wars, from El Salvador to Sarajevo to Afghanistan and Iraq. His books have chronicled character and characters, in war and peace, sports and art, tragedy and comedy.

See stories by Scott Simon

Dear Reader:

To make informed decisions, the public must receive unbiased truth.

As Southwestern Pennsylvania’s only independent public radio news and information station, we give voice to provocative ideas that foster a vibrant, informed, diverse and caring community.

WESA is primarily funded by listener contributions. Your financial support comes with no strings attached. It is free from commercial or political influence…that’s what makes WESA a free vital community resource. Your support funds important local journalism by WESA and NPR national reporters.

You give what you can, and you get news you can trust.
Please give now to continue providing fact-based journalism — a monthly gift of just $5 or $10 makes a big difference.

Support WESA

After nearly 200 years, the Yuchi Tribe of Oklahoma reconnects with bison

Kaitlyn Radde

Tribal members say the new herd will strengthen ceremonial practices and connect them not only with the animal but also with other Indigenous nations.
A common-sense initiative in Boston aims to reduce maternal mortality among Black women

Priyanka D McCluskey

One of the complications contributing to high U.S. maternal mortality among Black women is preeclampsia. A common-sense initiative in Boston gives women a blood pressure cuff to take home.
AI deepfakes could advance misinformation in the run up to the 2024 election

Miles Parks

New artificial intelligence tools make it cheap, easy and fast to make convincing fake video, audio and text. Going into the 2024 election, the misuse of this technology could have huge consequences.