House panel creates commission to probe future space tragedies

A House Science subcommittee on Wednesday approved a bill establishing an independent commission to investigate any future space flight tragedies that result in the loss of crew, passengers, or the spacecraft.

The Space and Aeronautics subcommittee passed the Human Space Flight Independent Investigation Commission Act (H.R. 2450) by unanimous voice vote.

"I hope we never have to use the provisions in this bill," said Rep. Bart Gordon of Tennessee, the subcommittee's top Democrat and sponsor of the legislation.

Under the bill, the president would appoint a 15-member independent commission within 30 days after an incident. The commission would determine the cause, identify any contributing factors and make recommendations to prevent future incidents. The bill requires the commission to report to Congress, the president, and the public in a timely manner.

The commission must include the chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board and 14 additional members chosen, in part, by suggestions made by House and Senate leaders. Federal government employees cannot serve on the commission, nor can individuals with contracts with NASA. Commission members must have experience in human space flight, investigative, and legal matters.

Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Dana Rohrabacher of California introduced an amendment that would exclude any commercial human spaceflights from a federally-funded investigation by the commission. The amendment was approved by unanimous voice vote.