Shuttle Columbia breaks up during re-enry
Jolly Green Giant
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Posts: 586
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The death of this excellent crew is a huge loss to NASA, the US, Israel and India.
But the families seem to be adamant that the programme continues. Capt. Browns parents revealed that's what he told his brother if anything should happen.
As Jim Lovell before Apollo 13 said when told by a journalist that the public regarded the moon flights as routine, "There's nothing routine about going to the moon, I can vouch for that."
The same applies to the shuttle, it is a dangerous and risky business. The fact that is may seem routine is down to the brilliance of NASA; The technicians, project managers, flight directors, controllers, the designers, assembly line workers, the scientists, mathmaticians and of course the crews. Through painstaking research and work and superb teamwork, they make it seem routine.
Manned space flight is a worthy and justifed endevour and should continue with the shuttle.
RIP 7 explorers.
But the families seem to be adamant that the programme continues. Capt. Browns parents revealed that's what he told his brother if anything should happen.
As Jim Lovell before Apollo 13 said when told by a journalist that the public regarded the moon flights as routine, "There's nothing routine about going to the moon, I can vouch for that."
The same applies to the shuttle, it is a dangerous and risky business. The fact that is may seem routine is down to the brilliance of NASA; The technicians, project managers, flight directors, controllers, the designers, assembly line workers, the scientists, mathmaticians and of course the crews. Through painstaking research and work and superb teamwork, they make it seem routine.
Manned space flight is a worthy and justifed endevour and should continue with the shuttle.
RIP 7 explorers.
Self Loathing Froggy
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: elsewhere
Age: 18
Posts: 546
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Columbia Loss FAQ v1.0 (sci.space.shuttle)
http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=e...4ax.com&rnum=1
link taken from http://www.robotwisdom.com/ (a dozen other links)
http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=e...4ax.com&rnum=1
link taken from http://www.robotwisdom.com/ (a dozen other links)
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Dallas, TX USA
Posts: 739
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My wife was downstairs and I was still upstairs in the bedroom, when the house was rattled by a large sonic boom, at around 8am CST (not knowing the cause at first, we didn't go outside to look). I live in Irving Texas, between Dallas and Fort Worth.
All day yesterday on the local TV news and radio channels, there were reports by many others who live in the Dallas/Fort Worth and surrounding areas, who experienced the same thing. It appears that the break up started above the Dallas/Fort Worth area (or slightly north west of this area). Later, when I learned the altitude of Columbia over the Dallas/Fort Worth area was 200,000 ft, I could hardly believe that a sonic boom of that intensity, could reach the ground over such a wide area from that altitude.
A little farther down range, going towards Nacogdoches, many residents in that area reported hearing mulitple thunder clap sounds, that lasted a minute or two in duration. I assume this may have been caused by the sonic booms of multiple objects, spaced out along the flight path, moving southeast overhead of their position.
Since most of the debris fell in east Texas and western Lousiana, the energy of the total mass of Columbia must have decelerated much more rapidly than the final planned deceleration to subsonic speeds over Florida. This might account for all of the noise that we heard here in north central and east Texas yesterday morning.
My wife and I send our condolences and prayers to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this terrible tragedy.
All day yesterday on the local TV news and radio channels, there were reports by many others who live in the Dallas/Fort Worth and surrounding areas, who experienced the same thing. It appears that the break up started above the Dallas/Fort Worth area (or slightly north west of this area). Later, when I learned the altitude of Columbia over the Dallas/Fort Worth area was 200,000 ft, I could hardly believe that a sonic boom of that intensity, could reach the ground over such a wide area from that altitude.
A little farther down range, going towards Nacogdoches, many residents in that area reported hearing mulitple thunder clap sounds, that lasted a minute or two in duration. I assume this may have been caused by the sonic booms of multiple objects, spaced out along the flight path, moving southeast overhead of their position.
Since most of the debris fell in east Texas and western Lousiana, the energy of the total mass of Columbia must have decelerated much more rapidly than the final planned deceleration to subsonic speeds over Florida. This might account for all of the noise that we heard here in north central and east Texas yesterday morning.
My wife and I send our condolences and prayers to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this terrible tragedy.
Swounger
Join Date: May 1999
Location: New York, NY USA
Posts: 422
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This is amazing--apparently some of the experiments surivived the crash! Experiment from space found intact
From the Jerusalem Post:
Dr. Eran Schenkar, Israel's space doctor and director of Israel Aeromedicine, told the Jerusalem Post that a few moments ago a fully intact box was found amognst the debris strewn across Texas
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satelli...=1044162703229
From the Jerusalem Post:
Dr. Eran Schenkar, Israel's space doctor and director of Israel Aeromedicine, told the Jerusalem Post that a few moments ago a fully intact box was found amognst the debris strewn across Texas
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satelli...=1044162703229
Evertonian
I can imagine that no amount of experience would've avoided the final events for Columbia, but I was astounded to see that only two of the crew were on their second mission & the rest were on their first. Again, I draw no conclusions from that, but I just assumed that NASA would use a mix of experienced crew with any mission.
Also sad to see that none were trained for EVA. If they had any doubts about the wing, there was no way to check.
Also sad to see that none were trained for EVA. If they had any doubts about the wing, there was no way to check.
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: The bar of the Frog and Peach
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Shocking news. My thoughts go out to the families of the astronauts. We don't have a TV and haven't heard the radio today so this was a terrible thing to find on logging on tonight. I have been involved in the UK space industry since a kid when my father took me to see Blue Streaks being built right up to now working on comms satellites. Tomorrow will be a sombre day at work.
One thing to consider is that one of the tasks of the shuttle when visiting the ISS is orbit raising. Probably not the only way but perhaps the easiest. I don't have the ISS links at hand.
One thing to consider is that one of the tasks of the shuttle when visiting the ISS is orbit raising. Probably not the only way but perhaps the easiest. I don't have the ISS links at hand.
aka Capt PPRuNe
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 1995
Location: UK
Posts: 4,541
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have removed most of the technical discussion/speculation to the new thread; STS-107, Chronicle Of A Disaster Foretold? which will be kept to technical discussion.
Those of you who feel the need to express your emotions and condolences can carry on to do so in this thread.
Those of you who feel the need to express your emotions and condolences can carry on to do so in this thread.
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
NASA has issued a correctoin to confirm that the remains of some crew have been found, but not all.
Last edited by ORAC; 3rd Feb 2003 at 04:41.
Everything is under control.
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Washington, D.C.
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
News reports said that Israeli astronaut Colonel Ilan Ramon carried a copy of a drawing, “Moon Landscape”, created by Petr Ginz, a 14-year-old Jewish boy, while Ginz was incarcerated in the Theresienstadt ghetto. Ginz was later killed in Auschwitz.
I was curious about this drawing and finally found a link to an image. I find it, and its being aboard Columbia, poignant.
http://www.yad-vashem.org.il/about_y...lan_ramon.html
I was curious about this drawing and finally found a link to an image. I find it, and its being aboard Columbia, poignant.
http://www.yad-vashem.org.il/about_y...lan_ramon.html
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: UK
Posts: 887
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The last lines of 'High Flight' by John Gillespie Magee Jr seem apposite at this sad time:
"....I've trod the high untrespassed sanctity of space
Put out my hand and touched the face of God."
Condolences to all concerned.
"....I've trod the high untrespassed sanctity of space
Put out my hand and touched the face of God."
Condolences to all concerned.
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You've got to admit, though, it's one hell of a way to go. If it was a choice between getting wiped out by a truck while rushing to a business meeting on the M25, and expiring in a 1000 degree fireball re-entering the Earth's atmosphere, with an audience of millions. I know which one I would choose.
Last edited by PercyDragon; 4th Feb 2003 at 13:30.
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: 38N
Posts: 356
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We can praise their profound courage - which is demonstrated and unquestionable. Anyone who reflects on their own personal frailty amid the forces of nature - especially the unfamiliar and unforgiving realm of space flight - can see that.
We can admire their curiosity and intellect, especially the commitment to cooperate in conquering the unknown with knowledge instead of weapons.
We can respect the personal striving and the sense of enterprise that pushed each of these pioneers to this final distinction in their life's work.
But what we may appreciate most at this moment is their humanity: They were our children, our mothers and fathers, our sisters and brothers, who linked hands from diverse reaches of the earth to embark together on this fateful voyage. Each one entrusted their personal spark of life to a common purpose for the advancement and opportunity of all who will live in the future, as long as mankind shall walk the earth and swim in the sea of stars.
We can admire their curiosity and intellect, especially the commitment to cooperate in conquering the unknown with knowledge instead of weapons.
We can respect the personal striving and the sense of enterprise that pushed each of these pioneers to this final distinction in their life's work.
But what we may appreciate most at this moment is their humanity: They were our children, our mothers and fathers, our sisters and brothers, who linked hands from diverse reaches of the earth to embark together on this fateful voyage. Each one entrusted their personal spark of life to a common purpose for the advancement and opportunity of all who will live in the future, as long as mankind shall walk the earth and swim in the sea of stars.
Swounger
Join Date: May 1999
Location: New York, NY USA
Posts: 422
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think the memorial ceremony was very comforting, and Bush spoke nicely. www.cspan.org probably still has a replay on.
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Beverly Hills 90210
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm looking for the re-entry data of time, altitude, position, and speed (and maybe more) for any flight resembling this one taken at every second or so. Where can I get easily extractable data? Can someone supply me with this information. Thanks !
Keep the blue side up. Where ever up is ?
Keep the blue side up. Where ever up is ?
Last edited by aardvark2zz; 5th Feb 2003 at 05:22.
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: UK
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Condolences to the famillies, friends and colleagues of Columbia's crew.
After a tragedy such as this there will now rightly be a period of introspection, reflection and of course investigation on the part of those involved in the manned spaceflight programme. However the essence of space exploration and manned spaceflight is forward and outward looking in nature. The crew of STS 107 were drawn from diverse ethnic cultures but were united in their dedication to their science mission. The best way to honour the memory of this crew is to continue the work they so passionately believed in. The way to do this is to further develop the International Space Station, drawing on the talents of as many nations as possible, to maximise the scientific potential of this valuable resource and then share the information for the benefit of mankind.
I hope that your legacy will be that we can reep some rewards from the seeds that you helped sow.
After a tragedy such as this there will now rightly be a period of introspection, reflection and of course investigation on the part of those involved in the manned spaceflight programme. However the essence of space exploration and manned spaceflight is forward and outward looking in nature. The crew of STS 107 were drawn from diverse ethnic cultures but were united in their dedication to their science mission. The best way to honour the memory of this crew is to continue the work they so passionately believed in. The way to do this is to further develop the International Space Station, drawing on the talents of as many nations as possible, to maximise the scientific potential of this valuable resource and then share the information for the benefit of mankind.
I hope that your legacy will be that we can reep some rewards from the seeds that you helped sow.
I remember the Challanger accident; I was about nine years old at the time. My sister and I were watching kids T.V when the newsflash came on. At first I thought it was a standard launch, wasn't listerning to the commentry I guess. I remember feeling sick when I saw it explode. My sister, five years old at the time, said "It looks like a swan!" as the boosters arched away from the exloded craft. I tried to explain what had happened to her. Whenever I see the re-runs of it happening .."Roger, go with throttle-up.." tears come my eyes.
When I first heard the news of Columbia, on the 6pm local radio news "The Space shuttle Columbia has exploded..." for a second I thought it was a 'look back' to Challanger, then I realised this was current and it was another Shuttle. Very sad.
I, as I think most pilots feel, consider space flight to be the ultimate aviation activity, huge respect to those who dedicate thier lives to do it, and the efforts required to become an astronaut make the efforts required to become a professional pilot look nothing in conparison.
Like everyone one always thinks of the launch as being the post dangerous part of it.
On the information we have so far, I wonder for how long they knew they had a problem, with the left-wing sensors failing one after the other...
Deepest condolances to the families and friends of the crew of STS 107. They died doing their life's ambition out there on the edge.
RIP The crew of STS 107.
When I first heard the news of Columbia, on the 6pm local radio news "The Space shuttle Columbia has exploded..." for a second I thought it was a 'look back' to Challanger, then I realised this was current and it was another Shuttle. Very sad.
I, as I think most pilots feel, consider space flight to be the ultimate aviation activity, huge respect to those who dedicate thier lives to do it, and the efforts required to become an astronaut make the efforts required to become a professional pilot look nothing in conparison.
Like everyone one always thinks of the launch as being the post dangerous part of it.
On the information we have so far, I wonder for how long they knew they had a problem, with the left-wing sensors failing one after the other...
Deepest condolances to the families and friends of the crew of STS 107. They died doing their life's ambition out there on the edge.
RIP The crew of STS 107.
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: USA
Posts: 394
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It is kind of odd how things go.
I found out about Challenger in a department store in another state while trying to get baby furniture for my first born. Found all the people in the store in the television section were they pile up a hundred or so units. Everyone standing in front of the pile watching a hundred Challengers explode.
Last weekend was in a nearby city in the same state. Large screen television in hotel lobby shows text crawl of lost contact and then the pictures. Everyone standing in front watching Columbia, including my now 17 year old daughter.
It felt pretty much the same.
I found out about Challenger in a department store in another state while trying to get baby furniture for my first born. Found all the people in the store in the television section were they pile up a hundred or so units. Everyone standing in front of the pile watching a hundred Challengers explode.
Last weekend was in a nearby city in the same state. Large screen television in hotel lobby shows text crawl of lost contact and then the pictures. Everyone standing in front watching Columbia, including my now 17 year old daughter.
It felt pretty much the same.
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Big Southern Sky
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In the footsteps of the truest hero’s, the crew of STS-107 Columbia.
Like others before and no doubt like others in the future our species is graced with a special breed of explorers.
Exceptional in every way, striving always to fulfil difficult mission tasks without fault or waver for the good of mankind now and into the future.
Without them our time here on the third rock is surely finite.
They pave the way forward with brave indifference to the many risks, facilitating those small steps along the way that provide the elusive keys that unlock discoveries that will eventually equip mankind with the knowledge and then perhaps the ability to survive elsewhere.
For theirs is the noblest cause and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
To those left behind
Take comfort in the knowledge they flew the line without fault nor fear and lost their lives in the most bold venture of human endeavor, doing what most of us are simply in awe of. “The Best of the Best!”
God Speed STS-107
Exceptional in every way, striving always to fulfil difficult mission tasks without fault or waver for the good of mankind now and into the future.
Without them our time here on the third rock is surely finite.
They pave the way forward with brave indifference to the many risks, facilitating those small steps along the way that provide the elusive keys that unlock discoveries that will eventually equip mankind with the knowledge and then perhaps the ability to survive elsewhere.
For theirs is the noblest cause and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
To those left behind
Take comfort in the knowledge they flew the line without fault nor fear and lost their lives in the most bold venture of human endeavor, doing what most of us are simply in awe of. “The Best of the Best!”
God Speed STS-107