Dick Covey to Leave USA Before Next Shuttle Launch

Dick Covey, former astronaut and President and CEO of space shuttle operator United Space Alliance (USA), announced yesterday that he will retire from the company in three weeks. His departure on March 26 will be a week and a half before the next shuttle launch on April 5. No reason was given for the timing of his resignation and a replacement was not named. Former astronaut Dan Brandenstein is USA’s Chief Operating Officer. After the April 5 launch of STS-131, three more shuttle launches are scheduled before the program is terminated under the existing plan. As reported earlier, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison has introduced legislation to continue shuttle flights after that time.