FBI Probing Builder of Challenger Boosters

The FBI is conducting a “criminal investigation” of Morton Thiokol Inc., builder of the solid rocket boosters that caused the Challenger space shuttle disaster, according to a document filed in U.S. District Court here.

No details about the investigation were revealed in the document, and it was not known if it relates to the Challenger accident in January, 1986. The document was filed in connection with a civil suit brought by former Morton Thiokol engineer Roger Boisjoly, but the FBI apparently began the probe before the lawsuit was filed in late January.

According to the document, an unspecified number of Morton Thiokol employees are acting as FBI informants in the investigation. The Chicago-based company manufactures the solid rocket boosters in its Utah facility.

The document was apparently filed publicly by accident, and it was sealed shortly after reporters began making inquiries about the investigation.

Susan Schnitzer, an FBI spokeswoman, said that the bureau could neither confirm nor deny any ongoing investigation.