NASA culture still a problem, says ex-astronauts

Two former NASA astronauts say NASA culture has still not addressed the kinds of problems that led to the space shuttle Columbia accident in 2003, according to a USA Today article.

James Wetherbee, who commanded five space shuttle missions, and John Young, who flew in the Gemini, Apollo and space shuttle programs, say NASA is not focusing enough of its energies on spaceflight safety, and is instead more concerned about costs and scheduling.

Young retired from the agency in December as an associate director at the Johnson Space Center. Wetherbee resigned from his job on JSC's safety team in January, citing the slow pace of progress in safety reform.