NASA points to metals fraud for satellite failure

NASA has reported that an investigation revealed Sapa Profiles Inc. faked test results and provided faulty materials to the space agency, causing the failure of two satellite launch missions and more than $700 million in losses.

The Oregon-based metals manufacturer, now known as Hydro Extrusion Portland Inc., falsified thousands of certifications for aluminum parts over 19 years for hundreds of customers, including NASA.

The company has admitted that employees faked test results related to the metal’s strength and reliability under pressure. The firm has agreed to plead guilty to one count of mail fraud and is barred from U.S. federal government contracting.