OT: Shuttle Breaks Up During Re-Entry

One Eyed Jack · #1 February 1st, 2003, 06:52 PM

Even though this shuttle mission has been described as "flawless", I agree with the previous posters in thinking mechanical failure. Investigators currently have little to work from regarding a cause. A tape is making the news rounds of what appears to be ice or a tile falling from the fuel tanks and striking the shuttle wing during launch that investigators are reviewing. However, this is not exactly an uncommon occurrence. In the break up replay many reporters are focusing on what looks to be an explosion (secondary not root cause).

Lots of early reports concerning debris falling coming out of Nacogdoches Texas, both town and county as well as other areas. People are warned to avoid debris due to potential life threatening toxins released by the fuel from the shuttle as it evaporates. Can cause slow suffocation in a 48 hr. period if inhaled. Call your local law enforcement agency if you spot debris. Do not approach.

Some people are sending pictures via the web of debris in their yard to news agencies.

I love the space program and watching this stuff hurts.

dbt1949 · #2 February 1st, 2003, 06:59 PM

Tenryu · #3 February 1st, 2003, 07:13 PM

Been watching this stuff since about 9am est. It had become so routine we forget how dangerous it is. Sorta like the first Portuguese explorations and Columbus era ventures toward the east.

Rips my heart out to see this sort of thing happen.

We need to build another, and make it bigger and better and safer.

[ February 01, 2003, 17:14: Message edited by: Tenryu ]

Arkcon · #4 February 1st, 2003, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CNCRaymond:
Could it have been a bomb?

Widely considered to be unlikely. The shuttle has very strict weight limits. So it couldn't have been hidden prior to launch. You can pick aprt other terrorist possibilities as well.

Taera · #5 February 1st, 2003, 08:17 PM

this is all very sad. i have not heard about this before. what saddens me the most is that the elite of our space astronauts AND scientists were burned in atmosphere.

Graeme Dice · #6 February 1st, 2003, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CNCRaymond:
Could it have been a bomb?

That doesn't make any sense, as a bomb works just as well if not better if you set it off well before re-entry.

David E. Gervais · #7 February 1st, 2003, 08:37 PM

This is indeed a tragic day in history. I believe that the best way to honor the crew of Columbia (and the crew of Challenger) is to keep NASA and the space program up and running. These fine people knew the risks and choose to accept them in the persuit of science. I salute their bravery, respect their choice and honor there memory. May their dream live long and prosper.