NASA Names Return To Flight Task Group Members

Glenn Mahone/Doc Mirelson
Headquarters, Washington July 25, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-1898/1600)

Dave Drachlis
Stafford-Covey Task Group, Houston
(Phone: 256/544-6538)

RELEASE: 03-248

NASA NAMES RETURN TO FLIGHT TASK GROUP MEMBERS

NASA today released the names of the Stafford-Covey
Return to Flight Task Group (SCTG). The Task Group,
initially announced by the agency on June 13, will perform
an independent assessment of NASA's actions to implement the
recommendations of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board
(CAIB).

The Task Group is co-chaired by two veteran astronauts,
retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant general and Apollo
commander Thomas P. Stafford and Space Shuttle commander
Richard O. Covey. Members of the Task Group were chosen from
among industry, academia and government experts with
knowledge and expertise in fields relevant to safety and
space flight.

"We have assembled an unprecedented group of experts for the
Stafford-Covey Task Group," said NASA Administrator Sean
O'Keefe. "I am confident they will provide invaluable advice
and expertise. They will help ensure our return to flight
efforts exceed quality and safety standards, as we prepare
for the next Shuttle mission," Administrator O'Keefe said.

The Task Group will work closely with NASA's Return to
Flight team, led by Associate Administrator of Space Flight
William F. Readdy and Associate Deputy Administrator for
Technical Programs Dr. Michael Greenfield.

The Task Group was organized pursuant to the Federal
Advisory Committee Act. The Task Group consists of non-NASA
employees and one NASA non-voting, ex-officio member, the
agency's Deputy Associate Administrator for Safety and
Mission Assurance, James D. Lloyd. Additional members may be
added to the group throughout the return to flight process.

The Task Group will meet as often as required and will
conduct at least two public meetings. They will make formal
reports to NASA and prepare a final written report, when
appropriate.

NASA's Office of Space Flight is providing operating funds,
technical and staff support for the Task Group. The initial
SCTG budget is $2 million, and the Task Group duration is
two years, unless terminated sooner by the NASA
Administrator.

The Task Group charter and member biographies are available
in the Return to Flight section of the NASA home page on the
Internet at:

http://www.nasa.gov


-end-