Nasa reporting lost communications with shuttle...

[Needlefreak]

Lotta that stuff...The Israeli on board also flew in the attack on Iraqs nuclear reactor..

[cybotron r_9]

Shuttle takes first Israeli into space


Ilan Ramon (Colonel, Israel Air Force)
Payload Specialist

Terrorists? You bet. IMHO

and even if it were terrorists do you think the government would tell the truth or say it was just a misplaced heat tile or some other BS

[Needlefreak]

Originally posted by cybotron r_9
Shuttle takes first Israeli into space
Ilan Ramon (Colonel, Israel Air Force)
Payload Specialist

Terrorists? You bet. IMHO

and even if it were terrorists do you think the government would tell the truth or say it was just a misplaced heat tile or some other BS

I think is this day and age they'll probally say is was sabotage by (insert whoever we hate) just to not admit they fudged up on the sheild..

[nepenthe]

damn........ <sniffing back tears>

shant,
david

[JawZ]

If anything...we need to spend money on safety.

First, the shuttle needs an ejection module. We have combat aircraft that have ejection modules. Expensive...but necessary imho.

Second, we need a space station....it can serve as a safe haven. If something is detected on launch then the astronauts can go to the station, dock, and inspect. If something is wrong. They stay there until it can be fixed.

Third, we need advanced AI systems/troubleshooters. If engineers say that something is good...let the AI computers run it through a barage of tests and models to see if their theories can hold up. We need to focus on outcomes. AI can help us chart these possibilities.

[YARDofSTUF]

that really sucks


ya know theres a risk of it happening but u just dont think it ever will.

[Indy]

Originally posted by UOD
If anything...we need to spend money on safety.

First, the shuttle needs an ejection module. We have combat aircraft that have ejection modules. Expensive...but necessary imho.

Second, we need a space station....it can serve as a safe haven. If something is detected on launch then the astronauts can go to the station, dock, and inspect. If something is wrong. They stay there until it can be fixed.

Third, we need advanced AI systems/troubleshooters. If engineers say that something is good...let the AI computers run it through a barage of tests and models to see if their theories can hold up. We need to focus on outcomes. AI can help us chart these possibilities.

Yep, these are all needed...

The unique situation here as compared to the Challenger explosion is the fact that there are still astronauts up in space that depend on the shuttle to get back to earth. We can't just suspend the shuttle missions...

[YeOldeStonecat]

Those are probably near impossible though.....the CNN guy started hinting in on that, harping on "why wasn't there one"...but if you think of it, try ejecting something while the main object is traveling 'tween 15k and 20k mph, it would be even more catostrophic. They were in a transitional state speedwise, and in the atmosphere, were I really think an ejection capsule would be an impossible feat.

[ScottE]

The ejection module would only be effective during launch. I don't think it would be feasable to be able to eject this pod from the craft at 200,000+ ft traveling at 17,000 mph. Keep in mind that you still have to maintain a precise angle of attack in order to keep from burning up. Not saying that it's a bad idea I just don't think it would have helped in this instance.

[JawZ]

An ejection module would not have been practical in this scenario...that is why I suggested 3 things.

They should have never attempted re-entry if damage was discoverd post launch. They should dock with a space station and investigate.

[Dakota]

I just got up and read this on the news. Had been watching cable TV channels and had no idea this had happened. This is so, so sad. I am in shock as I watch all this. Looks like the damage to the wing on takeoff will be the ultimate cause. The thought that it's terrorism of some sort is just ludicrous.

[Indy]

Originally posted by Dakota
I just got up and read this on the news. Had been watching cable TV channels and had no idea this had happened. This is so, so sad. I am in shock as I watch all this. Looks like the damage to the wing on takeoff will be the ultimate cause. The thought that it's terrorism of some sort is just ludicrous.

Yep, given the conditions at which it happened, I'm inclined to believe that the shuttle suffered a structural failure (perhaps because of the debris from the launch), and something gave. Perhaps the wing (the first large piece of debris that shows on the video) broke off, causing the shuttle to go into an uncontrollable spin, breaking off other parts of the shuttle...

[Ghosthunter]

I just woke up, and saw the news.



My condolences go out to the families.


I dont think it was terrorism at all, just an accident, which is a always a very high risk when doing space travel.

[A_old]

This sucks.

[A_old]

Originally posted by davy19
I just woke up, and saw the news.



My condolences go out to the families.


I dont think it was terrorism at all, just an accident, which is a always a very high risk when doing space travel.

me too

[A_old]

Originally posted by John
I highly doubt terrorist involvement. NO way IMHO.

i agree there too..how could they have with that kind of security?

[Norm]

Very sad

Not a good morning so far

[mwkirchner]

They just made an "OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT" on TV and have said that the shuttle did indeed explode.

I realize that we all knew this ... but now they have made it official.

This is a very sad day in America as well as around the world.

I feel so sorry for the families who lost their loved ones in this terrible tragedy.

[YeOldeStonecat]

Gotta check the tube again, are they showing any major debris found yet? Wondering what kind of area large debris may have fallen in.

[JawZ]

I agree. To even suggest terrorism is just ridiculous.

Space exploration is a dangerous business.

We need to pick up and press on.