'. " -'- Annual Report for National Aeronautics and Space Administration Headquarters Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel Annual Report for Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel

The Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel is pleased to present its annual report for calendar year 1996. This report provides findings, recommendations and supporting material regarding the Space Shuttle, the International Space Station, computer hardware/software, aeronautics programs and other NASA activities. The Panel requests that NASA respond only to Section II, " Findings and Recommendations. " This past year was one of great change for NASA, including implementation of the " Lead Center " concept, the continuation of downsizing and the initiation of the Space Flight Operations Contract (SFOC), all bold steps. At the request of the White House, you charged the Panel with the conduct of an overview study of the potential safety implications of these changes on the entire Space Shuttle operation, The report of that study was completed in November 1996. The Panel's visits with NASA and its contractors confirmed that the commitment to " safety first " remains strongly in place. The fact that this guiding principle persists in an era of radical change is a tribute to the professionalism of all involved in the space program. Continuing this commitment to safety, however, depends heavily on the motivation and dedication of the individuals involved. Thus, as turnover and downsizing move forward, the Panel will monitor the continued support for safety in all aspects of Space Shuttle operations. This year a major task facing NASA and its contractors will be the safe launch of the first element of the International Space Station. The Panel will review safety aspects of that program, the ongoing transition to SFOC, the impact of downsizing, manifests to support International Space Station assembly, Space Shuttle safety upgrades and the effectiveness of the communication networks within the system. The Panel's activities this past year could not have been accomplished without the cooperation and extensive assistance of NASA and contractor personnel. The Panel takes this opportunity to thank them all.