Indian-American Kalpana Chawla was among those astronauts aboard the Columbia Space Shuttle, who were killed when the shuttle broke up as it re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere on February 1, 2003. Today, it was officially announced that NASA paid $26.6 million to the families of the seven astronauts of that fateful Space Flight. This settlement was kept secret for more than two and a half year.
In brief written responses to questions, NASA spokesman Allard Beutel said little about the settlements, citing family privacy. He said the money came from the agency’s budget via a 2004 Congressional appropriation. “The Columbia astronauts were our friends and co-workers,” Beutel wrote. “Our concern always has been with the crew’s families and we didn’t announce details of the settlement in an effort to protect the personal privacy of the Columbia families.”
The documents were released to the sentinel last month after a reporter filed requests in 2005 and 2006. Stephen L. Mcconnell, NASA’s principal FOIA officer, insisted the agency was not trying to delay the records release. Five of the seven astronauts on Columbia were military officers and barred from suing the government because they were on active duty while on loan to NASA, making contractors likely targets for lawsuits.
Read more about the article - NASA paid USD 26.6 mn to families of Columbia astronauts.
Post a Comment