[XBob]

1603 - "What flare, are we talking about?"

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I honestly don't know. Shortly after the accident, 1-2 days, I saw a video on TV, which reminded me of the war, one of our aircraft dropping a series of magnesium flares. (3-6), there were small ones, quickly going out, (like flares to throw SAMS off track) and there was a big one (like the flares for illuminating ground operations - much more persistent, as they dropped by parachute), about 20 times the size of the small ones. I forget the exact sequence. But there was a major difference in size of one in particular.

I don't know where the video was taken or when, and I haven't seen it since. It could be the one by the kids in AZ, perhaps not. But I haven't seen it since then. But I have had a number of links to videos which wouldn't work for me.

[NormsRevenge]

Some questions .. Im trying to fill my knowledge cap. I haven't read this whole thread yet either, but hope to soon. Thanks in advance if someone can confirm any of the following.

The shuttle is launched with the tires uninflated, if I am not mistaken.

At what point in the re-entry process are they re-inflated, relative to the shuttle's re-entry timeline?

I am not clear if the tires had already been re-inflated when the loss occurred of vehicle.

Is it after falling below so many hundred thousand feet or 8-?

Does this process and its initiation ever vary?

What type of mechanism/mechinery is used and how is the process initiated, etc?

Any pyros involved in opening the wheel doors?

[Cold Heat]

It could be the one by the kids in AZ, perhaps not. But I haven't seen it since then

Yes, that is the AZ video. I studied it, but could not save it, and my links do not work anymore either. I believe the footage has been zapped. Or the damn Real Player has crapped.

I checked the T.V. stations archive, and have not found it. My player refuses to play any of it anyway.