NASA astronauts twice were permitted to fly despite signs they were drunk, according to report today citing "heavy use of alcohol by astronauts."
The report from a panel convened by the US space agency did not name the astronauts involved or provide dates or the nature of the flights. NASA said it will investigate.
"Interviews with both flight surgeons and astronauts identified some episodes of heavy use of alcohol by astronauts in the immediate preflight period, which has led to flight safety concerns," said the report on astronaut behavioral health.
"Alcohol is freely used in crew quarters. Two specific instances were described where astronauts had been so intoxicated prior to flight that flight surgeons and/or fellow astronauts raised concerns to local on-scene leadership regarding flight safety," the report added.
"However, the individuals were still permitted to fly."
NASA Administrator Michael Griffin ordered the report as well as another released on Friday after the February arrest of astronaut Lisa Nowak. She is to be tried on September 24th on charges of attempted kidnapping, battery and burglary.
Nowak, who NASA has since fired, was arrested on charges she stalked and attacked Air Force Capt. Colleen Shipman, her rival for the affections of NASA colleague Bill Oefelein.
"NASA should ensure that specific policies regarding alcohol use, including but not limited to a mandatory alcohol-free time period prior to flight and the availability and use of alcohol in crew quarters, are in place and enforced," the panel recommended.
The allegations were first reported by the publication Aviation Week.