NASA STATEMENT ON LOSS OF COMMUNICATIONS WITH COLUMBIA

NASA ^ | 2/1/03 | NASA

[P-Marlowe]

Yes, but something caused that to happen, and losing temp sensors had to be cause for alarm just prior to breakup.

They were pressure sensors, not heat sensors. The excessive heat probably destroyed the pressure sensors before the tires blew.

[vger]

When Columbia was launched on its maiden flight, I had just purchased one of the first VCRs available to the public. I taped about 6 hours of pre-flight coverage and then the launch. I'll never forget how brave Crippen and Young were, being the first astronauts to fly an unflown rocket design into space. Back then shuttle launches were covered for hours by the three main networks and (and channel 11 KTTV Fox of course). I am very saddened by today's tragic loss. God bless the brave crew of Columbia.

[DoughtyOne]

Here is a screen saver I made this morning.  It is sized 800x600 and 1024x768.
Right click down download for 800 x 600.
Left click, then right click download for 1024x768.

[cardinal4]

203,000 ft moving at 12,500. It was over DFW when it broke apart. It was 16 minutes from touchdown in Florida. Think about that for a minute. The sheer mechanics of slowing something moving that fast at the same time its descending, in such a short distance (Lets face it, that high that fast,makes the distance between Dallas and the Florida coast seem relative)is absolutley mind boggling to me. I hope it was over quick.

[Joe Hadenuf]

I am confident that it was. Remember, they at least were doing what they loved to do. This is the only bright spot in this day. They were pioneers and will be remembered as such.

Very, very sad day indeed.

[69ConvertibleFirebird]

Cool pict...