Shuttle Contact LOST-No Tracking Data During RE-Entry!

Nasa TV | 02/01/03 | GRRRR

[GRRRRR]

Shuttle has NOT been heard from or seen on tracking radar since 0800Hrs CDT. No contact at Merrit Island tracking station, no voice comm...DEVELOPING.

[Magnum44]

The left wing was damaged during launch by a piece of insulation foam that detached from the main fuel tank.

Was this previously reported? or just now being speculated?

I am, like all others here, struck with sadness and sickness over this. Willie McCool was in my company at the Naval Academy. This very likely marks the end of the Shuttle program and certainly will ground US manned space for the next several years. Spacestation construction is done, and without yet another expensive redesign, likely signals the end of further work on that program as well.

For those of us who have worked in the space business, for those who know any of the crew members, fellow astronauts, or their friends and families, and for anyone who has ever been inspired by the US manned space program, this is a terrible day. I can only hope we have the national fortitude to recover from this and develop a follow on program that will be properly funded and maintained to provide safe access to space in the future.

[Paul Ross]

Our prayers go up to the Lord for the souls of those who were aboard this craft, and the families of them and all concerned. This will be a national day of mourning.

[MadIvan]

Here is my question: how long did they originally think shuttles would serve for - what was their "retirement" date?

Regards, Ivan

[ChadGore]

We will suffer losses because we lean into the wind of discovery.

[niteowl77]

People in this country have become soft over the years and don't realize just how dangerous space travel can be.

When I take off in any aircraft, I go through that moment when I marvel that man can fly at all, let alone complete a flight safely. Space tremendously multiplies the risks, yet we do become complacent- such is human nature.

Still, despite what I tell myself, I'm having to work this morning to keep the tears in check.

[LoneGOPinCT]

Everything OK in your area this morning? Did you hear/see anything?

[Sally'sConcerns]

Does anyone know if the shuttles have the ability to abort a landing at any time during the re-entry process?

[JohnHuang2]

My prayers are with the families and with our leaders on this dark day.

Amen.

[alisasny]

I don't know why anyone would want the job Of Pres. Of the United States. Pres. Bush 41 is so reflective about his role that he crys all the time.

Are UK tv stations covering this live?

TO ALL: Pray for President Bush that he has the foresight to continue with his mission to rid the world of evil and also comfort the families and all Americans and Israeli's of this horrible disastor today.

[apackof2]

The future doesn't belong to the fainthearted; it belongs to the brave.

Prayers for 7 bravehearts

[bonesmccoy]

You can't change a trajectory... you have to go with whatever you have... if the wing was damaged, then you wouldn't see the effects of that damage until the vehicle uses the aerodynamic surfaces...

shuttle starts using the wings as it starts to bleed energy at high altitude.

[ppaul]

:

:

[OReilly]

Debris field southeast of Dallas...

[prisoner6]

INCREDIBLE!

prisoner6

[theFIRMbss]

>...but what are the odds that the space shuttle would [--]
* break up over a town called palistine
* in the home state of our president
* with the first Israeli pilot on board?
-------------------------------------------------------------

There will be dozens
of conspiracy theories
by sun down tonight...

[tomkat]

we can only hope that they never knew what hit them.

may god welcome them all home ...

[MadIvan]

Alisas:

Yes, Sky is covering this live. I suspect my radio is going to break in with a news bulletin shortly too.

Regards, Ivan

[Houmatt]

It was chilling--they were alive after the explosion.

Balderdash.

The main rocket the Challenger set upon went up like a giant bomb. We have all seen the results.

The astronauts were killed instantly.

The only people who have said otherwise are sick sadists who enjoy hurting the families of those killed.

[snopercod]

Are you suggesting we'll leave the current ISS occupants fend for themselves?

They can return on the Russian Soyuz. The big concern is re-supplying the ISS until the crew can get off.

It's just a darn shame that the US taxpayers wouldn't spring for the CRV [Crew Rescue Vehicle].