[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.

[Cold Heat]

That was the only option

I agree. Even if they suspected damage by the insulation, they have about three and a half minutes to make the abort call. Re-entry was a certainty and the die was cast.