[alancarp]

NASA: "loss of tire pressure" (left side gear)
"excessive structural heating".

[alancarp]

NASA: NOT DIRECT QUOTES
7:53 CDT - off-scale temperature measurements -- loss of data
7:56 CDT - increase in temperatures in left tire/wheel well
7:58 CDT - interior temperature sensors; 3 on left side of orbiter - left side - lost temp measurements
7:59 CDT - left inbound/outbound temps (8) were off-scale low (loss of readings
Crew saw messages related to these -- crew acknowledged the messages. Last transmission.
Lost all vehicle data at roughly 8:00 CDT
Altitude 207,135 feet; Mach 18.3 speed

[CyberAnt]

"excessive heating"

Hmmm? I believe that would have been the case if they were reentering sideways instead of the normal tilted front way.