Once it had been determined the shuttle was in danger, Atlantis could have been sent up within a week. Once up in space, the ship could have sided up parellel to the Columbia, a member of Atlantis could have space walked out to the Columbia with a bag containing 7 space suits and (assuming Columbia had an airlock) then led the crew members out one by one. From there Atlantis could have flown back to earth. As NASA did not pursue this or any other line of action they must bear the burden of responsibilty for the deaths. If what I just proposed is impossible I'll step back of course.
At the press conferences today, I understood there was not enough oxygen left on board the shuttle to last a week. So sending the Atlantis was NOT an option.
40 hours after Columbia had launched is when the NASA techs claim to have become aware of the damage. My plan is predicated on NASA erring on the side of caution and preparing Atlantis to go up less than two days after the Columbia had launched. Is it correct to assume Columbia would have had enough air by the point Atlantis would have reached her?