There is a big difference between a possible problem and knowing the mission was doomed. I don’t believe NASA would have had them reenter if they knew for certain the craft would be destroyed.
I agree, I worked on Shuttle and Space Station, if NASA was certain of damage they would have told the crew. If the crew was capable of leaving the space craft (EVA) then the crew was capable of attempting repair. No way NASA would not have given them the change to try something.
I am calling BS on this story.
Why do you believe that?
I’ve worked in aerospace for over 40 years, including the Shuttle program and now Orion.
With knowledge of the surface damage, there are no two mission managers who would contend there was any possibility of the orbiter surviving re-entry.