The Nation - News from Aug. 7, 1986

Proposed tests of redesigned space shuttle boosters appear to meet only “minimal” requirements based on a “clearly success-oriented” schedule, and more testing should be required, an independent oversight panel said. But Guyford Stever, chairman of the National Research Council panel, said in an interview at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., that NASA is doing a good job overall, and he is optimistic about the ultimate success of the program. The panel was set up after the presidential commission investigating the Challenger disaster called for an independent assessment of the redesign work.