Space Shuttle Columbia Breaks up over Texas

[Myriads]

Early news reports show that the US Space Shuttle Columbia, the oldest in NASA's fleet broke up on reentry on it's landing path over central Texas. The shutle had lost radio contact earlier, and people in the Dal-Worth area have reported several loud explosions.

All 7 astronauts are assumed dead.

 

[TickledToDeath]

Early news reports show that the US Space Shuttle Columbia, the oldest in NASA's fleet broke up on reentry on it's landing path over central Texas. The shutle had lost radio contact earlier, and people in the Dal-Worth area have reported several loud explosions.

All 7 astronauts are assumed dead.

😕
I think somone is trying to tell us something. Like to stay on this planet.


TTD

 

[qjakal]

Dammit...

 

[sole seeker]

We, all of humanity, are poorer for the loss of these seven brave souls. God watch over them, their families and friends.

 

[Dave2112]

I've been watching this for a little while now, and although info is sketchy at best at this point, it seems that they are leaning more towards operational or procedural error rather than mechanical as was the case in the '86 Challenger explosion.

Since the early days of shuttle launches, we've grown accustomed to the space program going on, oblivious to the daily operations. When Columbia first went up, we stayed home from school to watch it. Now, many of us don't even know when a shuttle goes up, or what for.

I have always been a big proponant of our space program. I know that there are many who find it a waste of time or money, but I try to look at it as not a governmental thing, but a societal advance. As a species, man is at a point where he should be exploring his cosmic neighborhood. There are reasons of science and reasons of need. Who knows what technology we are going to need in a hundred years if our planet continues to fall apart? Even without environmental break down, there's over population to contend with.

Regardless of all that, let us not overlook the fact that the men and women on Columbia we heroes in thier own right. Acts of heroism do not always have to be pre-meditated or headline-grabbing. Space is the most unfriendly environment known to living organisms. Just agreeing to go is an act of taking your ass in your hands. And for little else than the growth of knowledge, the quest for evolution or the need to further our goals as a species. With most of us oblivious to the inner workings of the space program, the names of crews are seldom on the tongues of the public. These people aren't doing this for money or fame. Every time they are blasted into space, thier lives are on the line, almost at every moment. That in and of itself is heroic, escpecially in the quest for knowledge.

God bless you all, and may He comfort the families and friends of those lost. In two hundred years, when we are exploring other star systems, these pioneers will be remembered for thier sacrifice in helping us get that far.

 

[TicklingDuo]

While I am one who believes our funds can be better used elsewhere, I do respect the space program and those in it. I just got up to this news after being up half the night. All I keep thinking watching the video is that they weren't angled properly and broke up from the harsh re-entry. That would, indeed be an operational error. One of the experts is now saying that they most likely lived long enough to know what was happening. That makes it so much worse! Though there's been concern over this being a terrorist strike, there's nothing to indicate that at this point. In either case, my heart and prayers go out to all involved...from the crew to their families to all those in the space program to those on the ground who watched/felt the explosions. It's a sad day for NASA and all of us.

Ann

 

[BettyBoop2002]

Yes, God be with them and their families!

🙁 I agree with ya'll. May God be with them and their families!🙁

 

[Myriads]

TTD said:

I think somone is trying to tell us something. Like to stay on this planet.


There are no hidden signs that we shouldn’t do anything, try anything, or not be someplace. Only the quiet pause of lives lost in the act of reaching.

So long as one is willing to anti up the costs of trying, then the message is simply that mechanical things break, and human make errors.

Take in that light, the message then becomes: So, willing to try again? The house is open for bets.

Myriads

 

[OBleedingMe]

I think somone is trying to tell us something. Like to stay on this planet.

This is, by far, one of the most insulting posts I have ever read here. Not too mention the fact that it expresses an irrational and illogical fear.
Well, TTD (following your logic), since people die when they fly in planes, perhaps we should stay on the ground. In fact, millions of people die every year in automobile/ship/train crashes/sinkings/wrecks. So maybe we should stop that too. IN FACT, some people die while WALKING outside... you know, animal maulings, muggings, rape, etc. So maybe we should all stay barricaded in our houses and wait until our hearts stop beating so we'll all be dead and TRULY safe from danger on this Earth.
I'm sorry, but that logic is anti-progress at best, primative at worst.
Concerning the deceased astronauts, I sincerely hope these heroes who dared to push envelope of human exploraion/abilties, are given the honor and respect they and their families deserve. Without people like these astronauts, with that fire in their heart to walk the narrow ledge between new human experience and Death, we'd still be living in the trees and worshipping that big round face in the sky we call the Moon. 🙂

 

[TickledToDeath]

Something is going on...

When watching the news all morning and into the afternoon too for that matter but the focus is on this morning.

The Ametuer video....at the very begining of that vid, when you first saw Columbia coming into view and its' full shape intact, just to the right of the screen and just slighgly below Columbia there was a small white dot(object?) moving with the Shuttle then away...seconds later the Shuttle broke apart and exploded!
After showing this particular ameteur vid several times, since, have not shown THAT portion of said video and have claimed that nothing ON THE GROUND could have caused the destruction of the Shuttle.
The President, in his short statement, looked might scared and like a dear in the headlights!

Am I the only one who noticed this?
Am I the only one who thinks something is ary?


😕 🙄 hmmmmmmmmm


TTD

 

[TickledToDeath]

TTD said:

I think somone is trying to tell us something. Like to stay on this planet.


There are no hidden signs that we shouldn’t do anything, try anything, or not be someplace. Only the quiet pause of lives lost in the act of reaching.

So long as one is willing to anti up the costs of trying, then the message is simply that mechanical things break, and human make errors.

Take in that light, the message then becomes: So, willing to try again? The house is open for bets.

Myriads

Good Point.
Something to think about as is this....
All signs and laws of physics, gravity etc are meant to push everything down,including ourselves.
Add to the mix that our soles and trapped inside these shells we call bodies.
Almost like a prison within a prison.

TTD

 

[TickledToDeath]

This is, by far, one of the most insulting posts I have ever read here. Not too mention the fact that it expresses an irrational and illogical fear.
Well, TTD (following your logic), since people die when they fly in planes, perhaps we should stay on the ground. In fact, millions of people die every year in automobile/ship/train crashes/sinkings/wrecks. So maybe we should stop that too. IN FACT, some people die while WALKING outside... you know, animal maulings, muggings, rape, etc. So maybe we should all stay barricaded in our houses and wait until our hearts stop beating so we'll all be dead and TRULY safe from danger on this Earth.
I'm sorry, but that logic is anti-progress at best, primative at worst.
Concerning the deceased astronauts, I sincerely hope these heroes who dared to push envelope of human exploraion/abilties, are given the honor and respect they and their families deserve. Without people like these astronauts, with that fire in their heart to walk the narrow ledge between new human experience and Death, we'd still be living in the trees and worshipping that big round face in the sky we call the Moon. 🙂

YO bro, chill. You misunderstood my point.
I am not being insulting or saying that we SHOULD stay here and digress. The space program is out best way of progression into the unknown and to further ourselves.
I would be one of the first on line to go out there if given the chance! Regardless of the risks.
It is just the facts and laws of science and physics that make it the way it is here. We try to constantly beat the odds and roll the dice and sometimes the HOUSE wins.
You raised very good points too my friend even though you attacked me and claimed I was insulting.
Even on the ground there is no sanctuary from pending disaster. Does that mean we become hermits(spending eternity singing "I'm Henry the VIII I am...", of course not. However better measueres need be taken to move the odds more into our favor as opposed to just moving ahead radically and saving $$$$ while risking other peoples lives!


TTD

 

[TicklingDuo]

Re: Something is going on...

Am I the only one who noticed this?
Am I the only one who thinks something is ary?
TTD

Ed, what I saw appeared to be a first bit of debrise trailing the main portion of the shuttle. I'm sure we'll hear more about it. However, I also saw what appeared to be a sudden change...kinda like it hit something and dipped a bit while remaining on its normal path. It made me think of watching highway traffic over rough road...that little bump you see, though the path of the vehicle remains the same.

It's going to take time for us to know what really happened. After hearing the conversation with the crew just as they lost contact, there was no hint (at least that I could detect) of stress or a problem. So, whatever it was obviously hit suddenly.

As for something being ary....YES! Seven people are dead. The rest is simply side issues that (in my book) pale in comparison.

Ann

 

[giggleygirl25]

i can't believe this happened again

 

[TickledToDeath]

Re: Re: Something is going on...

As for something being ary....YES! Seven people are dead. The rest is simply side issues that (in my book) pale in comparison.

Ann

Yes Ann that is the obvious and the main point!

However, at what time is the "Program" going to wake the frig up and take heed of itself.
The Challanger incident....The "O" ring was know about! The icing was Known about! The did NOTHING. It cost the lives of the crew and affected the lives of their familes and countless others.
The Columbia incident....then knew that there was damage caused to the wing by a piece of the craft coming off during take off.
Could they abort and bring them back and play it safe!?
They did NOTHING...it cost 7 lives and affected their families forever, for what? A "science mission"?
Saftey of the lives of those you are sending out there should be THE single most important issue. PERIOD!

Furthermore, 1996...World Trade Center....Bombed. Terriorists said they will be back and vowed to take down the Towers!
The Government did NOTHING. 2001....Towers gone...Pentigon hit...thousands of lives lost and 10 times that amount affected by it.

At what price is ENOUGH , ENOUGH!!!!?????

Saftey first. $$$$$ later!


TTD

 

[OBleedingMe]

To TTD:

All right, I might have overreacted to your previous post. But you should have clarified your point. You offered no explanation to your statement.
I completely agree with your money assesment. Did you guys know that we HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY to create an emergency break-away nose complete with its own parachutes/ejection seats? In fact, when the first prototype space shuttles were being tested, they had ejection seats for the pilot/co-pilot testing it. Why not carry this into the space shuttles used for actual space missions? NASA thought it was too much of a "financial strain". We have ejection seats on EVERY military jet fighter, yet we don't have ANY bail-out provisions for our astronauts. Not so much as an emergency parachute. These budget restrictions anger me beyond belief - and its been this way through both Republican and Democratic Presidencies for over two decades! We NEED to keep our space programs well fed - it will be our only ticket out of here when an asteriod or a comet finally comes our way. The faster we can leave this planet the more of a chance the human race has of surviving to see another millenia.
As for a terrosist attack... unless there was bomb on-board (which I also don't beleive - the space shuttle was connected to the International Space Station for two weeks - a perfect opportunity to destroy TWO space structures worth BILLIONS), there is no way a terrorist group could have shot the Columbia down with a surface-to-air missle. The shuttle fell apart at 207,035 feet going around Mach 18.3 (excessive speeds). No country, save for the likes of the USA, Britian, and POSSIBLY France, has the long-range missle capabilities to hit such a small, high-alititude, fast-moving target. No terrorist group has the sort of money (or cover) to construct such an elaborate, high-technology device.
No, I think it was due to good old American budget management that we've lost seven more brave souls. But I am glad I live in the ONLY country that sees space exploration on rountine basis. We just need to realize the importance of this great endeavor in human exploration.

 

[TickledToDeath]

RE: OBleedingME

No problem bro! I took no offense and understand the room I left for misunderstanding, I wanted people to use their minds today and ponder different paths within themselves and what is really going on around here.
You have chrystalized my thoughts perfectly.
It is the perpetual greed of this country that will be its own downfall.
Writting its' own autobiographical genecide but it will be the government who will survive while its' own people just stand around and watch.
They KNOW what needs to be done at all times and flat out choose not to in order to line their pockets with profit. At the cost of innocent peoples lives.😡


TTD

 

[kurchatovium]

Science, exploration, and new technology are always risky at first. Countless people died in the exploration of this planet in the first ships built. Countless more died in the exploration of the depths of the oceans. Many died in the discovery of new elements or in the discovery of new chemicals. Such is the nature of discovery, such is the nature of humanity. These events should make us appreciate more the sacrifices of all those brave enough to find answers to the questions we all ask. They should not make us stop finding the answers, to do that is to stop being human.

 

[RichardAuc]

2/1/03

The space program has long been a part of my family's existence. Both my grandfathers had lived and worked near Cape Kennedy since before I was born. We grew up knowing the names of every astronaut and passenger on every mission. Sometimes we knew about the missions. It was always so inspiring to watch.such important work.

If the seven astronauts on Columbia could talk to us now, they'd probably have something sweet, deep & meaningful to say about what NASA's done for America. I wish they could talk to us now, because I'd really like to hear it.

When Challenger blew in '86, my grandfather saw the blast. It took me ten days to find out about it, however; I was in Basic Training at the time. This time was much faster.

Like someone else who's already posted here, I too was up half the night last night. At nine this morning, however, I awoke with a start; hardly my custom, since my years in the Army taught me to sleep through many things, including artillery shell fire.

I thought I heard something when I awoke, but I didn't know what it was. Still don't, for that matter. All this considered, I feel like Obi-Wan Kenobi way back in Star Wars when Alderaan blew.

First thing I did was turn on CNN, and it took a moment for me to digest it all--as, I'm sure, it did for many of you. Called my friends back in Houston to spread the word, but I needn't have bothered. They knew.

The whole day's been kind of a blur since. I don't know what's going to happen next, except for one thing: the churches are gonna be packed tomorrow.

 

[RichardAuc]

Parachutes, ejection seats & the laws of physics

One final note: there's a reason there are no parachutes or ejection seats on board the shuttle. Nothing organic survives reentry w/o protection. Nothing. Had there been ejection seats and parachutes aboard Columbia, the crew would have gone from the frying pan into the pan as their bodies would not have survived deceleration from Mach 18.

While it may make some feel good to curse the space program and find blame for this regrettable accident, it would be so much more effective if the laws of physics were considered.

 

[OBleedingMe]

Well, of course you couldn't eject at 207,000 feet. Even if you did survive the deceleration, you would freeze to death on the way down. My point was the "break-away" nose. This is an available technology that is simply not being used for financial reasons.
Emergency chutes/ejection seats could be used after 40,000 feet, as the shuttle's speed would have slowed to a suitable velocity and the re-entry fire would have more than likely been out.
Also, I was not blaming NASA or the space program. I was blaming our government for not properly funding it - NASA can only make due with the money it receives, and I think they're doing damn well with what funds they have to deal with. It's the fact that they cannot afford the break-away nose that angers me. Congress is, once again, putting their self-voted salary raises over human life.

 

[kurchatovium]

I would definitely say NASA should get more funding so that they do not have to use shuttles that may be way to old to operate safely. Perhaps they can find a way to eject safely as well. Although there are many problems in even designing an ejection system for helicopters, so making one for a shuttle may not be an easy task at all. That does not mean one should not try however.

 

[AffectionateDan]

And those multiple explosions...

...Were simply the sonic booms of multiple chunks of shuttle. I spent a very restless 12 hour shift at work today, and even after someone went home and brought a tv into the breakroom so we could watch for a glimmer of hope, the day dragged on forever. Man, it just seems like we're taking a beating the past several years. Makes me long for a simpler time when all you had to worry about was making ends meet. *heavy sigh*

 

[TickledToDeath]

From Day one of the Space Program...

the government was the same way.
They didn't even want to give the astronots a hatch that they could open themselves in case of an emergency. They had to wait till splashdown, being plucked out of the ocean and then peeled open like a sardine can. All to save $$$$$.

Imagine Henry Ford saying, "What, you want BREAKS"?


TTD

 

[sirjasper2002]

Born of the sun,
They traveled a short while toward the sun
And left the vivid air signed with their honor.

-Sir Stephen Spender




Columbia, we salute you.