In addition, an Independent Verification and Validation organization was established to verify that all new flight software was built according to these requirements. Also, hardware and software upgrades are continuing to provide a safer and more reliable vehicle. These additional upgrades will be carried to completion and the other enhancements will be sustained. Critical to the success of the program following the Challenger accident are the processes which have been implemented to ensure complete and open communication of safety related issues. Each project reviews every technical issue and anomaly which could have any effect on the upcoming flight.
Any technical issue is subjected to independent assessment by the government workforce.
Through a series of open reviews, all significant issues and open items are elevated to a Flight Readiness Review Board chaired by the Lead Center Director for the Space Shuttle. Through this process, full and open discussions of all potential issues are conducted and the issues are thoroughly assessed by all levels of program management, engineering, and safety and missions assurance. In addition to the formal open communication system, a system is in place to provide a mechanism for anonymous, voluntary and responsive reporting of concerns or risks. The organization that processes the NSRS inputs is a private contractor. Shuttle related ground and flight safety concerns reported through the NSRS are worked directly by senior safety and program personnel.