[strings6459]

A flash but no smoke from the burning propellant. Not possible.

[IronJack]

Considering the craft was moving at several hundred miles an hour, I suspect the small amount of smoke would have dissipated quickly.

I also recall that the Rodgers Commission found pieces of the External Fuel Tank that showed evidence of being burned through, almost like a plasma torch had been taken to them. That matches up with the official inquiry.