MEDIA SPOTLIGHT

Jason Sandefur

Editor�s Note: Articles in Media Spotlight are excerpts from publications or broadcasts that show the industry what the public is reading or hearing about fasteners and fastener companies.
As the nation�s space program comes under scrutiny following Columbia�s explosion, San Fernando Valley contractors who supply parts to the NASA program are bracing for a long year, according to the Los Angeles Daily News.
With sorrow and shock, companies that manufactured Columbia�s engines, fasteners and other parts expressed hope that the space program will continue.
Sylmar, CA-based M.S. Aerospace makes extreme-temperature fasteners used on the shuttle and in rocket and jet engines. Sales and marketing vice president Jim Cole told the Daily News that he�s certain NASA will continue with manned space flights.
�It�s somewhat selfish to be concerned about our business when human life is lost,� Cole commented. �But there is still a lot of momentum to carry the space program and the industry. We will not give up.�
Cole�s statement echoed the sentiment of other businesses that supply NASA.
Machinist Joe Villalobos was in the business in 1986 when the Challenger exploded shortly after takeoff. He specialized in a 10-inch deflector that shielded the shuttle�s engine from excess fuel. Villalobos is familiar with the investigation now consuming NASA.
�NASA will use a fine-tooth comb for everything and they�ll find out what happened. That�s how it�s always done.� �2003 FastenerNews.com