Liability Issues Associated With the Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster

Abstract

The loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia resulted in the tragic deaths of seven astronauts and a hail of debris strewed over parts of at least two states. Investigators remain uncertain why Columbia was lost; there have been no definitive determinations of underlying causes or fault. But while the facts of the Columbia disaster are unclear, the legal principles and processes that govern possible compensation for the resultant losses of life and property can be identified. This report provides an overview of these issues and will be updated as circumstances warrant.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 12, 2003
Accession Number
ADA457984

Entities

People

  • Andrew W. Murnane
  • Daniel Inkelas

Organizations

  • Library of Congress

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accidents
  • Compensation
  • Congress
  • Contractors
  • Department Of Defense
  • Disasters
  • Employment
  • Federal Law
  • Governments
  • Law
  • Military Personnel
  • National Governments
  • Personnel Management
  • Space Shuttles
  • Supreme Court
  • United States
  • United States Government

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
  • Government and Public Administration Law.

Technology Areas

  • Space