A piece of what is believed to be the underside and rear of the left wing of the space shuttle Columbia lies against a fence near Nacadoches, Texas, February 3, 2003. During liftoff a piece of insulation hit Columbia's left wing and NASA officials said Monday that it could have smashed into the some of the more than 20,000 thermal tiles covering the craft. REUTERS/Rick Wilking
A closeup view of tiles on what is believed to be the underside and rear of the left wing of the space shuttle Columbia near Nacadoches, Texas February 3, 2003. During liftoff a piece of insulation hit Columbia's left wing and NASA officials said Monday that it could have smashed into the some of the more than 20,000 thermal tiles covering the craft to protect it from burning up on reentry. REUTERS/Rick Wilking
30 posted on 02/04/2003 5:24:48 AM PST by michigander