NASA official says no major problem with Russian capsule

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2008

WASHINGTON (AFP) — The irregular landing of a Russian space capsule last week is not a "major problem," a top NASA official said, despite reports that the astronauts on board could have died.

"I don't see this as a major problem, but it is clearly something that should not have occurred," said Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations.

He added: "I think there is inherent reliability in this (Soyuz) system."

In an interview with a group of journalists Tuesday, whose transcript was obtained by AFP, he said NASA had heard nothing from the Russians suggesting the lives of the Russian, American and South Korean astronauts onboard were at risk.

"They're concerned about the event, but the relative danger to the crew, we've had no...