NASA OIG: Space Shuttle Orbiter Wiring Inspection, final memorandum issued

Space Shuttle Orbiter Wiring Inspection, final memorandum issued, NASA OIG (PDF)

“To address Kapton Concerns, the Space Shuttle program modified visual inspection procedures for orbiter wiring. However, the Space Shuttle Program has not formally assessed the risk of aging and damaged wiring in accordance with NASA Procedural Requirements (NPR) 8000.4, “Risk Assessment Procedures,” or developed a risk mitigation plan based on such an assessment. NASA has a well thought out risk management policy. When NASA elects to bypass its risk management requirements it is turning away from the safety and management principles built into the policy and is engaging in “decision making processes that operate outside the organization’s rules,” which was cited in the CAIB report’s executive summary. Without following the systematic risk management approach prescribed by NPR 8000.4, the Space Shuttle Program cannot ensure that it has efefctively managed the risks of aging and damaged orbiter wiring to increase the likelihood of flight safety.”