(Bloomberg) — A metals manufacturer faked test results and provided faulty materials to NASA, causing more than $700 million in losses and two failed satellite launch missions, according to an investigation by the U.S. space agency. The fraud involved an Oregon company called Sapa Profiles Inc., which falsified thousands of certifications for aluminum parts over 19 years for hundreds of customers, including NASA. “When testing results are altered and certifications are provided falsely, missions fail,” said Jim Norman, director for launch services at NASA in Washington. The company admitted that employees had faked test results related to the metal’s strength and reliability under pressure. Last week, it said it has invested “significant time and resources to completely overhaul our quality and compliance organizations.”

Source: National Post May 02, 2019 12:55 UTC