[You Gotta Be Kidding Me]

These poor people were dead just seconds after liftoff.....

Not true. They could have waited for the next shuttle to get them (leaving the Columbia in orbit).

[Miss Marple]

No, they couldn't wait for the next shuttle. They only had enough air until Wednesday. Even assuming a very rapid launch time, the quickest they could have got next shuttle up was Saturday. AND please remember that no one knew the extent of the damage, only suppositions. AND there was no way to transfer from one shuttle to another.

Please read the entire thread for pertinent information.

[Denver Ditdat]

Not true. They could have waited for the next shuttle to get them (leaving the Columbia in orbit).

Your screen name is very appropriate.