Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio: Peter Jennings) NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) reported formally cancelling next 3 space shuttle flights as investigation into Challenger's explosion conts.; United States Air Force said retaining its shuttle schedule. Details given.

(DC: Lynn Sherr) Status of investigation by President's commission examined; scenes shown. [NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) SPOKESPERSON - explains presence at today's hearings.] [Cmsn. chairperson William ROGERS - praises NASA's cooperation with commission] Cmsn.'s apparent reaction to discovery via media of NASA's long-standing concern over seals in solid rocket boosters, possible cause of accident, noted; details illustrated on screen. "New York Times" publication of NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) memoranda discussing issue outlined, quoted on screen. [Feb. 6, NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) spokesperson Judson LOVINGOOD - acknowledges evidence of seal erosion.] Contrary assessment in NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) memo cited; hypothesis offered by "Aviation Wk. and Space Technology" discussed.