Pick up roadkill to save an astronaut

Picking up roadkill may save astronauts' lives. Kennedy Space Center managers said Thursday they have launched an effort encouraging workers to notify road-and-grounds crews when they see roadkill. The theory is that removing dead animals could cut down on the number of vultures looking for meals at the 140,000-acre center, part of which is a national wildlife refuge.

A vulture struck the fuel tank of space shuttle Discovery during last year's launch, but it didn't cause any major damage.

"We're trying to avoid that again and by doing that we're trying to reduce the food source," said John Shaffer, a scientist who works at Kennedy's environmental program office. "As far as shuttle program is concerned, it's unacceptable if there's another chance of an accident."

Roadkill is a common sight at the center, which is home to more than 500 species of wildlife, including bald eagles, sea turtles, alligators and manatees. NASA launch managers use cameras and radar to make sure there are no birds around the launch pad during shuttle launches.