Originally Posted by LAfrequentflyer

TD...There is a lot more to this whole affair. Its not going to be pretty when Congress starts asking questions and they will.

The pilot in question was drunk. He was going to fly into space drunk. The mission got cancelled. He then got into a T-38 and flew back to Houston from Florida. He flew - he didn't sit in the back of the T-38. The aeromedical board didn't press for more information because they wanted a 'total picture' of the culture of the astronaut corps as far as behaviour / drinking went. Thats why you have stories and not exact dates / times / names. Its the only way the guys / gals would open up about the program. No one wants to be a 'wet blanket' at NASA...

NASA is going to investigate. I don't know how that investigation will go. It may be different or it may follow the same rules as the independent board.

One thing you should know. The astronauts have access to drink during the whole time they are in quarantine. The facility where they stay has a well stocked bar and they can drink up to the launch if they wish.

-LAFF