Columbia streaks toward Florida touchdown to end successful 16-day science mission

Associated Press ^ | February 1, 2003 08:20 | Marcia Dunn

[Timesink]

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) With security tighter than usual, space shuttle Columbia streaked toward a Florida touchdown Saturday to end a successful 16-day scientific research mission that included the first Israeli astronaut.

The early morning fog burned off as the sun rose, and Mission Control gave the seven astronauts the go-ahead to come home on time. ''I guess you've been wondering, but you are 'go' for the deorbit burn,'' Mission Control radioed at practically the last minute.

[Timesink]

Another piece of prewritten news pablum that comes back to embarrass the Associated Press!

[Recovering_Democrat]

DOES ANYONE DOUBT
the reporters working for the press KNOW what they will say before the event happens and they have an agenda??

This isn't like a famous old celebrity, where one can write an obituary before the passing.

[Anti-Bolshevik]

Unbelievable

[ladyinred]

Of course they have an agenda. I agree that they know in advance how things will be reported.

[aristeides]

The next time Columbia flies will be in November, when it carries into orbit educator-astronaut Barbara Morgan, who was the backup for Challenger crew member Christa McAuliffe in 1986.

One lucky lady. I wonder if she will learn her lesson now.

[Timesink]

"''Do we really have to come back?'' astronaut David Brown jokingly asked Mission Control before the ride home."

Ha ha, what an amusing moment!

[dfwgator]

The 13 lab rats on board part of a brain and heart study had to face the guillotine following the flight so researchers could see up-close the effects of so much time in weightlessness.

No doubt the PETA nuts are mourning the loss of the lab rats more than the astronauts.

[foreverfree]

bump

[Endeavor]

Learn her lesson? What does that mean?

[BradyLS]

No doubt the PETA nuts are mourning the loss of the lab rats more than the astronauts.

I hear they'll each be awarded the Order of PETA and all their comrades in cages will wear black armbands during their walkies in the May Day parade.

[DeaconBenjamin]

I don't see your point. I don't see anything in this article that didn't happen. Columbia was streaking towards a Florida landing. That landing simply did not take place.

[Recovering_Democrat]

"Recovering Democrat": Does that require a 12-step program?

:) I have been accused of not having recovered enough by some on FR, and by those who know me well I've been accused of going "too far" because they think I tend to paint too broad a brush of Democrat Party members.

[coloradan]

It's more than a little tasteless to leave this puff-piece on line when a tragedy has killed them all and destroyed the shuttle. "President Kennedy waved his hands at fans from a motorcade through Dallas, while on his way to ___. Approching the grassy knoll, a lady in a bright red dress snapped his picture, as motorcycle police officers stood guard. Later today, Kennedy will discuss policy with some members of Congress, shortly before his trip to Europe."

[Orion78]

PING#7

[TLBSHOW]

BRRR

[TLBSHOW]

Look at the time 820. Calling Marcia was there a ski trip yesterday or did William pitt write this one too? How much longer will it be up? Bets anyone?

[Nick Thimmesch]

m