US astronauts 'did not fly drunk'

There is no evidence astronauts have been drunk or had been drinking heavily before launching into space before flight missions, Nasa has confirmed.

An internal Nasa investigation was ordered after reports of two unsubstantiated instances of heavy alcohol use before flights made headlines last month.

The report found no evidence to support the claims, but recommended the space agency explore the idea of drug and alcohol testing for astronauts and other employees.

Nasa safety chief Bryan O'Connor, a former astronaut and shuttle accident investigator, said: "I was unable to verify any case in which an astronaut spaceflight crew member was impaired on launch day."

He also said he could not find any case where a manager disregarded a recommendation that an astronaut should not fly.

But Mr O'Connor said Nasa doctors should play a stronger oversight role on launch day, accompanying astronauts as they suit up.

He also recommended that the space agency explore the option of drug and alcohol testing for employees, including astronauts.

Mr O'Connor's review went back 20 years and involved interviews with 90 astronauts, flight surgeons and other Nasa officials.

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