Spacecraft Accident Investigation

Abstract

The process of investigating spacecraft accidents rests on the lessons of more than 60 years of aircraft crash investigation. There was little need for such skills in the early years of US spaceflight. This changed dramatically in 1986 with the loss of the Space Shuttle Challenger and was perpetuated by the loss of Space Shuttle Columbia in 2003. There have been other fatal accidents involving spacecraft and many near misses. With plans that include continued manning of the International Space Station (ISS); multiple new vehicles; exploration of the moon, asteroids, and Mars; and a vigorous civilian presence in space, it is certain that there will be a need for such investigations in the future. Medical investigators, human factors specialists, and flight surgeons will have essential roles. Their activities will concern human factors, physiology, and the assessment of human survivability – all aimed at preventing future injury and death. The necessary “forensic analysis” will be difficult, both emotionally and physically, and will not always be appreciated, supported, or understood by those uninvolved with the process. Outcome conclusions must be “evidence based” and oriented toward gaining information that will contribute to answering specific questions relevant to future practices and designs.