"Bottle-to-throttle" Drunken Astronauts

[Red Lion]

Drunken astronauts reportedly allowed to fly
Independent panel cites "˜heavy use of alcohol"™ before launch, sources say

MSNBC staff and news service reports
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Updated: 8:12 p.m. CT July 26, 2007
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A panel has found that astronauts were allowed to fly on at least two occasions despite warnings they were so drunk they posed a flight risk, sources familiar with the panel's report said Thursday.
Aviation Week also reported that the independent panel set up by NASA to study astronaut health issues found evidence of "heavy use of alcohol" before launch that was within the standard 12-hour "bottle-to-throttle" rule. Flight surgeons and other astronauts warned that drunken astronauts posed a flight risk when they flew on the two known occasions, according to the publication.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19979164/

[Fieldmouse]

Yeah but there aint no sobriety checks a long the way to outer space.

[Red Lion]

I had to laugh, then thought.......I may want a few stiff drinks prior to strapping on/in and blasting off as well!

[Fieldmouse]

I just want to know if the hang overs are a little easier to take in outer space?

[Red Lion]

Do you think any of the drunk astronuts saw anything like this on the way up?

[Aught Six]

Considering that the computerized power and navigation systems run the show during launch, I doubt the pilot would've been in a position to run the shuttle into a ditch or something.

Having said that, I think the bottle-to-throttle rule should be extended to 24 hours prior to launch. If someone can't discipline him/herself enough not to drink for aday, then perhaps they're not the person for the job.

[Red Lion]

ORIGINAL: Aught Six

Considering that the computerized power and navigation systems run the show during launch, I doubt the pilot would've been in a position to run the shuttle into a ditch or something.

Having said that, I think the bottle-to-throttle rule should be extended to 24 hours prior to launch. If someone can't discipline him/herself enough not to drink for aday, then perhaps they're not the person for the job.

I have to agree with you.

[BigTiny]

Considering the amount of rocket fuel they light off to launch one on those, I might be inclined to take a couple of shots before boarding too.

[Fieldmouse]

Just remember what Christy's last words were, "What's this button for?".

[petasux]

Considering the amount of rocket fuel they light off to launch one on those, I might be inclined to take a couple of shots before boarding too.

Nothing like sitting on top of the worlds largest pipebomb to give you a case of the nerves eh