Connect with us

NASA Was Scammed For Years According to Investigation

 

What kind of jerk steals from astronauts?

A scandal concerning the manufactures of metal parts for NASA has been linked to two failed space missions and years of faulty materials being sold to NASA. Multiple investigations into the failure of two missions launched several years ago has led to the uncovering of a massive scandal, over 19 years in the making.

Sapa Profiles supplied and manufactured aluminum for NASA, and are now answering to claims of fraud for misleading NASA on the quality of their products. Aluminum used in the missions was deemed to be inferior quality, leading to critical mission failures that cost over $700 million. It was uncovered that Sapa Profiles had falsified test results and certifications for their aluminum materials, and will have to pay a hefty fine. The Department of Justice concluded that the failures of two missions were not due to the initial conclusion of nose cone malfunctions, and launch vehicle issues, but instead related to faulty aluminum products.

The 2009 Orbital Carbon Observer and the 2011 Glory Satellite were both lost after launch, costing millions of dollars and scientific research. Countless work hours and scientific inquiry were wasted due to the dishonesty of the Oregon based company, now called Hydro Extrusion North America. The DOJ investigation revealed that the company mislead the reliability and heat durability of their aluminum products for almost two decades. The company will now have to pay $45 million in fines, and is banned from accepting any government contracts going forward, a small punishment compared to the overall damage. Luckily, no one was hurt due to this scandal, but hopefully NASA will recover from the scam and continue to explore scientific pursuits free from wrongdoing.

Connect