Crew Launched Despite Station Concerns

NASA’s latest launch to the International Space Station wasn’t without controversy. The Washington Post is reporting that two officials responsible for health and environmental conditions on the station refused to approve the launch of the new crew. Instead they warned that critical components on the station had degraded and could risk the health and safety of the astronaut crew. NASA says it’s aware of the problem, but doesn’t consider it to be an immediate threat. Without the space shuttle to repair and upgrade the station, they could be forced to abandon it within six months.