[leadpenny]

A thought just crossed my mind. Even if the crew knew that extensive damage had been done to the wing tile at lift off, there was nothing they could do about it. Here's my thought: The ISS has an escape capsule that can get a crew to Earth in an Emergency. Why doesn't NASA consider a "Life Boat" for the Shuttle?

[leadpenny]

Imus just asked the same question. Barbree said it was considered and they did have ejection seats on the first four shuttle flights. An Emergency Return Pod would add too much weight, according to Barbree.