EUCLID
Mastermind
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Registered: Mar 2003
Local time: 11:55 AM
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Posts: 911
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After the launch of Columbia, there was much discussion within NASA about the risk of tile damage caused by the foam impact seen during lift-off. In fact there was discussion of the possibility of losing the shuttle during reentry, and the possibility of doing a bailout to save the crew. The final videotape, however, makes it seem like the crew was not aware of any potential problems. I realize that no problems occurred during the part of the tape we have seen. Yet, if they had been informed of NASA's concerns, I would think the crew would have exhibited a monumental degree of apprehension as Columbia began reentry, as opposed to the playful nonchalance and casual indifference exhibited on the tape.
QUESTION: Was the shuttle crew made aware of these concerns about possible tile damage leading to a potential disaster, or were they completely left out of the loop on those discussions? If they were left out of the loop, why? It has been reported that NASA declined the spy satellite, high resolution photos because they did not want to appear to be "crying wolf." Did they also decline to inform the crew for the same reason?
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03-23-2003 12:07 PM
