Forum Moderators: open
[news.google.com...]
Columbia was at an altitude of 200,700 feet over north-central Texas at a 9 a.m., traveling at 12,500 mph when mission control lost contact and tracking data.NASA, while not saying the shuttle had exploded, broken up or crashed, warned that any debris found in the area should be avoided and could be hazardous.
There were reports of debris seen falling.
[edited by: amznVibe at 3:09 pm (utc) on Feb. 1, 2003]
That's terrible..... :(
officially all they are saying is they have lost contact with it
[news.google.com...]
nasa lost communication with the shuttle officially at 8am CST
[edited by: amznVibe at 3:14 pm (utc) on Feb. 1, 2003]
There is, so far, no official statement.
But is seems to be taken for granted that the shuttle is lost, but not known why.
WARNING - Don't approach any debris which could be in northern parts of Texas, could be 'very' toxic.
I doubt though a major setback... the spacestation is still manned so at least one more flight needed.
The local sheriff is asking people to check their yards and fields and report any debris. People in the area reported hearing a sonic boom that lasted over a minute. Many people first thought what they heard was the sound of a train derailing on the local track.
Such a tragedy. *G lowers her Texas flag to half staff*
That particular shuttle was the oldest one in use and this may have been why it all has happened. If this is yet another tragedy over cutting corners to save money it's going to be an even bigger nightmare. [abcnews.go.com...]
My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the crew.
Insignia explained, [spaceflight.nasa.gov...] :(
[edited by: mahlon at 7:15 pm (utc) on Feb. 1, 2003]
That particular shuttle was the oldest one in use and this may have been why it all has happened. If this is yet another tragedy over cutting corners to save money it's going to be an even bigger nightmare
Watching CNN it was indicated that during the initial launch two week ago launch debris struck the shuttle. (don't know whether this was mere spectulation or not).
Regardless... complacency is our worse enemy... there's nothing routine about traveling at mach6 let alone going/coming back from space.
[edited by: fathom at 7:06 pm (utc) on Feb. 1, 2003]
very, very sad.
Very, very sad. I hope that the family's and friends of those who were aboard can all get through this.
If so I hope they pay attention to this...
NOTE TO PERSONS IN THE AREA: All debris is United States Government property and is critical to the investigation of the shuttle accident. Any and all debris from the accident is to be left alone and reported to Government authorities. Unauthorized persons found in possession of accident debris will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
SAD DAY!
edited (typo)
[edited by: mack at 8:07 pm (utc) on Feb. 1, 2003]
I hope ebay puts their foot down on all that.
[edited by: heini at 8:19 pm (utc) on Feb. 1, 2003]
