Recent updates to NPR 8705.6, Safety and Mission Assurance (SMA) Audits, Reviews, and Assessments on March 29,2021, added the chief health and medical officer to the list of Technical Authorities (TA) who may request a Safety and Mission Success Review (SMSR). Along with the chief of SMA and chief engineer, the chief health and medical officer will be able to officially request and participate in SMSRs.  

“It really makes sense [to include the chief health and medical officer], especially when you look at the Commercial Crew Program and what’s coming with Artemis — launching all these new vehicles with astronauts,” said Eric Raynor, SMSR program manager. “Health and medical is just as important as engineering and safety when it comes to getting ready to make that final decision to launch or not, which is what we’re preparing them for and the purpose of the SMSR.”

The SMSR is a predecisional briefing held to prepare agency safety, engineering, and health and medical management to participate in program flight readiness reviews preceding launches and significant flight activities. It provides the knowledge, visibility and understanding necessary for these senior officials to either concur or non-concur in upcoming program decisions to proceed with a launch or significant flight activity.

For more information, contact Raynor.