[Archangelsk]

This gives more credibility to the idea that something affected the longitudinal stability that the shuttle needs for a successful re-entry. If something did happen in that vain, then dampening out, or correcting, the error (considering the forces at work) would overwhelm the onboard systems.

Since the shuttle is a fly-by-wire vehicle with an integrated glass cockpit, I suspect a lot of attention will be focused on the software in addition to the hardware.

(Pinging Magnum for his input).

[Magnum44]

Appreciate the ping. Wish I could add something here, but I really can't. As more evidence is found and analyzed, perhaps the picture will become more defined. I think it will be several months before any conclusions are drawn and made public. Of course if I hear anything among my own circles, I'll pass it on.

Regards,