Press Room

ABS Consulting Study Used to Justify
NASA Funding

December 17, 2004

(Houston, TX) In 2000, ABS Consulting (incorporating EQE International) performed a wind and flood risk assessment of 11 structures at the Kennedy Space Center deemed by NASA as critical to the overall operation of the Space Shuttle and Space Station programs. Advanced hazard models and special computational fluid dynamics software were used to address storm surge and wind effects for Category 3 through Category 5 hurricanes. Mitigation measures were also identified and designed to a level that enabled development of cost estimates and schedules to upgrade the buildings.

In September 2004, Hurricane Frances damaged several structures at the Center. Of particular interest was the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, where the shuttles are assembled. The roofing system sustained notable damage, while several thousand square feet of aluminum panel siding was torn off the side of the building. Damage to the VAB, and to other structures at the Center, was consistent with estimates as presented by ABS Consulting to KSC following completion of the study.

Using findings from the study as a basis for justification, the next month NASA requested, and President Bush subsequently approved, a $126 million appropriation to help NASA repair the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The funding measure sets aside $89 million to help NASA repair and upgrade the VAB and other structures at the center. It also allots $23 million to help the Agency repair damaged equipment, and $14 million to set up temporary work spaces for employees.

About ABS Consulting

ABSG Consulting Inc. (ABS Consulting) is a leading independent global provider of risk management services, combining industry specialists, risk modeling and practical engineering and technology solutions to help business, finance, industry and government manage risk. Through a comprehensive and integrated risk management approach, ABS Consulting is committed to help clients reduce business interruption and manage catastrophic, operational, and security risks. ABS Consulting's headquarters is in Houston, Texas. (www.absconsulting.com)

For more information, contact:

Rebecca Rieansnider
Senior Marketing Communications Specialist
ABS Consulting
1-281-673-2948 | rrieansnider@absconsulting.com