[snopercod]

Of course you mean that it was too heavy to carry full-sized ISS components up to the ISS orbit.

You are correct. But don't forget the 30% penalty to reach the 51 degree orbit. Columbia's maximum payload capacity to a standard orbit is 52,500 lbs. to the best of my knowledge.

I believe, but am not sure, that that figure includes the weight of passengers, expendables, and OMS/RCS fuel as well as the junk in the trunk.

[mewzilla]

What's the deal with the story that Jay Barbree just broke on the Today show. I didn't see the piece, but heard it mentioned by Imus just now. Something about an internal memo sent two days before launch about possible problems on re-entry. Anyone catch the report?