Shuttle Contact LOST-No Tracking Data During RE-Entry!

Nasa TV | 02/01/03 | GRRRR

[GRRRRR]

Shuttle has NOT been heard from or seen on tracking radar since 0800Hrs CDT. No contact at Merrit Island tracking station, no voice comm...DEVELOPING.

[E Rocc]

I know how you feel about that comment. The sad part is that the news reports from that part of the world, when we get the reactions from Israel and the Palestinians, are going to reveal that it will soon be all too true. It's just human nature.

Yes, there will be a few idiots in the Arab nations, just like there are a few idiots in Israel that cheer anything bad that happens to the Arabs, and a few stupid Americans that would cheer a disaster in the Arab world (or for that matter Israel). It's just disgusting to use a tragedy like this to try to foster a grudge against a particular people. All groups have idiots.

-Eric

[HoustonCurmudgeon]

I know that the odds of sabotage are extremely low but what are the odds that the space shuttle would break up over a town called palistine in the home state of our president with the first Israeli pilot on board?

Keep in mind every shuttle comes home over North Texas.

[Jim Noble]

>>sad to say we can expect the democraps to be on the hill talking about republican tax cuts/lobbying/etc causing this<<

The current STS configuration was caused by large Democrat majorities in both houses of Congress in the 1970s.

I am not going to comment further today on the design, other than to say that I strongly disagree with posters who say it is adequate or even excellent.

I'm sure when we discuss this at an appropriate time FR will lead the way in insightful, intelligent discussion.

[The South Park Republican]

Of course the fools at DUhhh can only think of one thing...

"Shuttle Tragedy: How Fortunate For Bush"

http://www.democraticunderground.com/duforum/DCForumID60/32783.html

"Now he can get on camera with a tearful and heartfelt message about how they were brave heroes who "touched the face of god" (or some other Reaganesque drivel written for him) and lo-and-behold... ALL AMERICA WILL ADORE BUSH AGAIN.

How fortunate that he gets to rally America for yet another tragedy that occured under his watch.

He'll get to play the comforting and wise father-figure. (I think I'm going to be sick!)

-- Allen"

[Petronski]

Landing-abort is impossible. It is a winged brick.

[July 4th]

Unless they can quickly isolate the problem to the Columbia launch, the shuttle program is grounded. Period. It will either provide the impetus for us to get our act together on a new shuttle design, or it will be the end for routine manned flight for the forseeable future. Much good has come from the space program, so let us hope that such a tragedy may be used for good, and will provide us the drive to overhaul everything.

[RedWhiteBlue]

We only part to meet again,
though mighty boundless waves may sever.
Remembrance oft shall bring thee near,
and I with thee will go forever.

And oft at midnight's silent hour,
when brilliant planets shall guide the ocean,
thy name will rise to heaven's highest star,
and mingle with my soul's devotion.

[Republic of Texas]

Very loud sonic boom over DFW this morning. This is the normal landing path, but I have never heard that before.

[Valin]

I seem to recall that the x-15 had gotten to 80% of escape velocity and were awaiting a bigger engine when nasa closed down the program in favor of rockets.

[JohnHuang2]

This is a very grave and tragic event. I hope everyone here, along with recognition and mourning of the loss of the crew of the Columbia, also be sober and circumspect, and NOT give rein to wild speculation and/or hysterical accusations regarding this disaster. There is always this short period of time, early in the developing phase of any disaster, that information is incomplete, and often wild and erroneous rumors spread rapidly. There is no benefit, and only further harm in spreading UNCONFIRMED rumors. Any mention of such a rumor, should clearly be labeled as such, with serious caveats against the kind of speculation I am talking about. Let's see what is true and factual in this situation, and deal with the facts as they are.

Very well stated, friend. Bears repeating...

[bonesmccoy]

PLEASE GET THAT SENATOR BILL NELSON OFF OF FOX NEWS CHANNEL. HE GOT A JOYRIDE ON COLUMBIA IN 1985 on STS - 25. HE'S NO EXPERT ON NASA OR SPACEFLIGHT

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Miles ? on CNN let the audience know that the Israeli astronaut was one of the members of the Israeli Air Force who took out the nuclear reactor in Iraq. Miles also informed the viewers that having an Israeli astronaut on board required us to provide extra security. Pray for Israel.

[prisoner6]

Isn't it interesting...I might even add in a biblical way,,,the number of major events happening on W's watch?

prisoner6

[Texas_Jarhead]

It's pronounced PalestEEEn Texas

[Merovingian]

Agree 100%

[Indy Pendance]

Those are evil people.

[revtown]

The shuttles seem to have a MTBF of 50 or so flights.
Not very good odds.

Time for a new design. Whether they send the current design up again or not.

[L`enn]

I myself, a hardhearted, battlescarred by life unemotional male, feel a tear welling up inside me.

Also the Muslims will take delight in the fact that it was a woman astronaut from India on board also. Many things about this for their hearts of evil to rejoice over.

[Lazamataz]

Does anyone know if the shuttles have the ability to abort a landing at any time during the re-entry process?

No, they do not.