[Rome2000]

I'm not quite sure why some people are having such difficulty with the concept that NASA screwed up big time.

This is not a perfect world and people will make mistakes.

It was an accident,not intentional, however,a decison was made by NASA brass that any possible tile damage sustained on lift off was inconsequential.

It was the wrong decison.

To say nothing could have been done is to try to avoid blame.

NASA will eventually have to admit they screwed up, and the "nothing could have been done" remark is ridiculous and insulting.

If the shuttle was up there now and NASA knew that the tiles were damaged enough to cause a possible burn up on re-entry, do you think they would have just stood around saying "nothing can be done"?

The reality is they would have tried everyhting in the book to get them back safely.

[Howlin]

They've already admitted that looking back, they were mistaken.

If the shuttle was up there now and NASA knew that the tiles were damaged enough to cause a possible burn up on re-entry, do you think they would have just stood around saying "nothing can be done"?

Are you serious? Can you be that obtuse?

But that doesn't fit with your agenda, does it?

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

To say nothing could have been done is to try to avoid blame.

Unless, of course, nothing could be done.

This ain't TV.

[Howlin]

and the "nothing could have been done" remark is ridiculous and insulting.

What could have been done? Exactly. Not dreams; something workable.