Kirsten Williams Larson
Headquarters, Washington, DC                   October 18, 2000
(Phone: 202/358-0243)

Bruce Buckingham
Kennedy Space Center, FL
(Phone: 321/867-2468)

RELEASE: 00-165

SPACE SHUTTLE INSPECTION TEAM REWARDED FOR ITS "EAGLE EYES"

     NASA Administrator Daniel S. Goldin today recognized members 
of the Space Shuttle ice and debris inspection team at Kennedy 
Space Center, FL, for their keen safety observations prior to the 
recent launch of Space Shuttle Discovery. 

Gregory N. Katnik and Jorge E. Rivera of NASA received the 
Agency's Exceptional Achievement Medal, while Michael Barber, John 
B. Blue and Thomas F. Ford of United Space Alliance and D. Scott 
Otto of Lockheed Martin Space Services Company received the NASA 
Public Service Medal. 

On Oct. 10, the team found a stray 4-inch pin near the shuttle's 
external fuel tank while using binoculars to scan launch pad 39A 
several hours before the launch of STS-92. The discovery delayed 
the shuttle mission 24 hours, allowing the team to retrieve the 
pin and clear the shuttle for a safe launch. If not removed, the 
pin could have damaged the space shuttle's thermal protection 
system or could have been sucked into one of the main engines 
during launch, causing damage there.

"Safety is NASA's number one priority, and this team exemplifies 
our commitment. The Agency is extremely proud of the inspection 
team for placing astronaut safety above adherence to launch 
schedules," said Goldin.

The Exceptional Achievement Medal is awarded for a significant 
contributions characterized by a substantial and significant 
improvement in operations, efficiency, service, financial savings, 
science or technology, which contribute to the mission of NASA. 
The Public Service Medal is awarded to non-government individuals 
who make exceptional contributions to the mission of NASA. 

Media representatives can arrange an interview with a member of 
the inspection team by calling the Kennedy Press Site at 321/867-
2468.
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