[smokeyjon]

I wasn't here when you got flamed, however, I want to clear some things up that you said. This is NOT a defense OR indictment of NASA. It's simply some items you should consider:

1. Thermal tiles physically CANNOT be repaired in orbit. Not only is it impossible to do, the shuttle does not even carry spares.

2. The astronauts could NOT have made an EVA to check for tile or structural damage, even if they wanted to. Besides the fact that, due to the nature of Columbia's mission, the necessary EVA equipment was not on board, there are no handholds or other EVA "aids" on the wings or underside of the shuttle. Gene Cernan (Apollo 17) was almost killed during his Gemini EVA because no one had thought to add handholds to the craft.

3. Assuming that NASA knew of critical, irrepairable damage, nothing could have been done. Again due to Columbia's mission profile, a rendezvous with the ISS was impossible. It would have taken too long to prep another shuttle, and Russia can barely produce two 3-man Soyuz ships per year. Unfortunately, the choices would have been to strand them in orbit, or risk re-entry anyway.

Unfortunately, IF NASA knew about it ahead of time, there was nothing that could have been done. Whether or not they theorized, proposed, or were absolutely certain of significant risk beforehand is immaterial to the actual disaster. If nothing else, this brought to light not only the inherent flaws in STS, but the known and accepted risks of spaceflight. Don't think that those 7 astronauts were not aware that critical damage to the ship meant almost certain death.

[Arkinsaw]

1. Thermal tiles physically CANNOT be repaired in orbit. Not only is it impossible to do, the shuttle does not even carry spares.

Stop with the facts man. Nobody wants to hear your facts. This is an emotional issue and your are intruding with your facts. Get real!

[bvw]

That's a suicidal do-nothing loser attitude. There were MANY things that could have been done, had people be set to do them.

[Bronco_Buster_FweetHyagh]

"""3. Assuming that NASA knew of critical, irrepairable damage, nothing could have been done"""

Wrong. Wrong. Wrong.

They could have
1. Used remaing fuel to maintain orbit as long as possible.
2. Studied various options.
3. Downloaded scientific information.
4. Allowed crew to make their own decision.
5. Allowed crew to say goodbye to their loved ones.

The "there was nothing they could do" answer is not just wrong, it's cleary a defense mechanism and illogical.