NASA Ok'd Astronauts FLYING DRUNK???!!!

[mikea]

Yes, astronauts have gone to the stars while under the influence. NASA actually launched an investigation looking for this sort of thing after the infamous incident in 2007 when former astronaut Lisa Nowak tried to kidnap her ex's girlfriend while wearing a diaper. Headed by Col. (Dr.) Richard E. Bachmann Jr. of the US Air Force, the investigators uncovered something that makes Attempted Interstate Infantilist Kidnapping look like charity work: On no fewer than three separate incidents, NASA had cleared astronauts to fly missions -- including two shuttle missions--while completely **** tanked.

Read more (NSFW language): http://www.cracked.com/article_18786_the-5-most-inspiring-things-ever-accomplished-while-drunk.html

I guess they're saying at least one of the Russians on Apollo-Soyuz was drunk. But otherwise? When?

I guess the Mercury astronauts were innocent of ever doing the ol' traditional fighter-jock fly then drink routine. They did have to be able to fly the thing back by hand controls.

The Shuttle???!!!! Had to be back-seaters.

Anybody have a link to the NASA report?

 

[flyersfan31]

Bachmann and NASA Deputy Administrator Shana Dale emphasized that the reports of pre-launch drinking were unconfirmed and had come from personnel who did not necessarily have firsthand knowledge.

ehhh.

 

[Let'sgoflying!]

Drunk and weightless, hmm I'll pass.

 

[steingar]

You wouldn't get me on board one of those things sober...

 

[RJM62]

"Houston," -- hic -- "we have a pr-pr-problem" -- hic --

 

[Telemakhos]

You wouldn't get me on board one of those things sober...

My thoughts exactly. Plus, the thought of sucking small gin and tonic globules from the air is, I have to say, amusing.
Think of the funding for NASA that would come from liquor endorsements!
"This orbit brought to you by Seagram's. Seagram's: miles above the rest!"

 

[imQ]

At the Stafford Museum in Weatherford OK, there are several bottles of booze, mostly Russian labels, most bearing autographs of various participants, including some of the astronauts. Most are only half full. I always figured one or more of the bottles made the ride into space.