Columbia's Problems Began on Left Wing

NYT.com ^

[Axenolith]

It makes the ISS, thats how they got all the pieces there...

[Jael]

Man, that post should be in Breaking and in every thread about the shuttle.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

THE NYTIMES IS LYING. The mission commander said in a live NASA KSC TV interview that the debris /wing event is not the focus or center of attention. The shuttles have come back before with critical tiles missing. The commander clarified the lies the NYTimes is saying.

[Axenolith]

You could fashion some type of stopgap measure. Cobbing together fixes, figuring workarounds, solving the unsolveable... The daily task of the Homo Sapiens Americansis :)

[Swordmaker]

What law of physics prevents an EVA? Im curious. Frankly, I don't believe you.

I did not say the laws of Physics prevents an EVA... I said they laws of Physics prevented the Columbia from reaching the International Space Station.

The EVA was prevented by a lack of proper equipment.

[ibtheman]

I think this accident could have been prevented! Somebody or team did not do there job! What about scrubbing re-entry when they noticed a bad indication on there sensors on the left wing? Even this spacecraft was slated to be de-commissioned two years ago, give me a brake! Those tiles is the only thing you got protecting you from the extreme heat. Those seven were doomed, the same way, same mind set from the previous accident! They had to launch in cold weather. And this time, they had to end there mission, time, and money! They could have launched another spacecraft, rescue seven lives! Oh no it is always money! All the technology, but no common sense! And now they want to go to another planet, what a waste of human life! And billions of tax dollers! This could have been prevented, once again americans putting there trust in our government, seven dead astronauts! Those shuttles have been thru to many launches, to extreme hot/cold cycles, extreme vibrations. Aircraft metals are strong, but go thru extremes going thru space, and thru atsmosphere. The g forces weaken the metals, and design of the aircraft also! This has been proven over the repairs of each shuttle mission, over all the data recorded, there is a mutitude of evidence available! This shuttle system needs to be de-commisioned. And use unmanned space research launches.

[ibtheman]

I think this accident could have been prevented! Somebody or team did not do there job! What about scrubbing re-entry when they noticed a bad indication on there sensors on the left wing? Even this spacecraft was slated to be de-commissioned two years ago, give me a brake! Those tiles is the only thing you got protecting you from the extreme heat. Those seven were doomed, the same way, same mind set from the previous accident! They had to launch in cold weather. And this time, they had to end there mission, time, and money! They could have launched another spacecraft, rescue seven lives! Oh no it is always money! All the technology, but no common sense! And now they want to go to another planet, what a waste of human life! And billions of tax dollers! This could have been prevented, once again americans putting there trust in our government, seven dead astronauts! Those shuttles have been thru to many launches, to extreme hot/cold cycles, extreme vibrations. Aircraft metals are strong, but go thru extremes going thru space, and thru atsmosphere. The g forces weaken the metals, and design of the aircraft also! This has been proven over the repairs of each shuttle mission, over all the data recorded, there is a mutitude of evidence available! This shuttle system needs to be de-commisioned. And use unmanned space research launches.

[Swordmaker]

So what? Tear it apart.

With what? Have you tried tearing apart a welded aluminum tank lately? Remember, you don't have access to a cutting torch, large scale wrecking equipment, probably not even a skilsaw or an axe.

In addition, in space, leverage is a distinct problem. The applier of the force should have either more mass than the object the force is being applied against, or a proper fulcrum with a place against which to apply the levering force. Even swinging a hammer is completely different.

[ironman]

"What about scrubbing re-entry when they noticed a bad indication on there sensors on the left wing? "

LOL! Dude, at that point nothing in the world is gonna stop that rock from falling to earth.

[r9etb]

Now, now guys lets not start the name calling. I thought we had a pretty good dilog going.

You had a good dialogue going. Can't say the same for the other fellow.

[Swordmaker]

Your statements sound like excuses...

Oreilly, I am just telling you the facts. Your scenarios are wishful thinking. Your statements are just ignorance but ignorance is curable.

Unless NASA knew there was a problem with the tiles, and a shuttle was already on the launch pad, AND it was configured to do a rescue mission, then the scenario I described is what the case was.

[r9etb]

What about scrubbing re-entry when they noticed a bad indication on there sensors on the left wing?

Too late. By that point they'd already done the deorbit burn. They wouldn't have had enough propellant to get back into orbit, and even if they had, they wouldn't have had enough propellant left to make another controlled deorbit.

[cynwoody]

If the tile was completely destroyed, and there was no contingency available in time, then they should not have attempted re-entry under any circumstances. Besides giving the crew an additional 5 days of life, it would have saved the $30 billion shuttle for future missions.

So. Several months later, the Discovery pulls alongside. Somebody EVA's with a tile repair kit. They stuff the seven dead bodies in the Space Hab. And they bring the $30 billion dollar Challenger home. I don't think so. At least, if they tried to land with the missing tiles, they'd have a chance.

[OReilly]

Your statements sound like excuses... <<<<<<< OReilly, I am just telling you the facts. Your scenarios are wishful thinking. Your statements are just ignorance but ignorance is curable. Ok, let me get you further on the record, that nothing could have been done...

ISS could not have reduced their orbit? And remember, I can't even spell what you claim to be...?

[John Jamieson]

I believe your idea would have helped a little if they knew for sure that they had a problem. Normally they just wiggle left and right the same amount.