Spacehab sues NASA for Columbia losses

, a maker of space shuttle living space and cargo components, announced on Friday that it is filing a civil complaint against

for loss and damages suffered during the Space Shuttle

tragedy in February 2003.

Spacehab claims that NASA’s actions and omissions led to the space shuttle disaster and the destruction of the company’s flight assets.

The company says it filed a contract claim for $87.7 million with NASA in 2004. NASA paid $8 million plus interest in October 2004, claiming its limited liability. The company then appealed the claim beyond the $8 million, seeking $79.7 million.

Spacehab says NASA has not responded to the appeal.