[Cold Heat]

The debris would have to be tiles or there is a lot more to this breakup.

If it is a access door etc. The insulation likely did not totally cause this.

[djf]

I'd hate to see another multi-year suspension of flights. I think they need to address the tile-fix-in-orbit problem, and do something about the insulation, but I think the remaining shuttles are very spaceworthy now.

Face it, few people drive cars older than Columbia was.

[dtel]

It has been my contention, that the trouble indeed started in CA or earlier and there should be a small debris field across the western states, prior to Dallas and the imminent explosion.
The CA astronomer is no kook and knew what he was seeing.
As far as the damage, what can they do?
If they were indeed damaged, all they could do was attempt to come home.
That was the only option.