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Updated Information On Columbia Shuttle Tragedy

Posted by timothy on from the we-grieve dept.

Thanks to all the readers who have sent links related to today's shuttle disaster. An Associated Press story carried on Salon says that an independent board (with members from the Air Force, Navy, Transportation Department and other federal agencies) has been appointed to investigate the disaster. CNN is carrying official statement from President Bush. Rediff.com has an article on the life of Indian astronaut Kalpana Chawla. borisonanovitch points to "more info on the science aboard Columbia and links to other NASA research." fabel reminds us "Most of the media is focusing on the slight damage that ocurred at takeoff (that NASA discounted at the time) but STS-107 was *delayed* for 6 months (original launch date 19 Jul 2003) Update: 02/01 23:51 GMT by T : [Note, should read "2002."] because of cracks in the propellant feed lines to the 3 main engines. A defect that could have caused catastrophic failure. Did the fix work or not?"

12 of 1,273 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Moon Landing - Makes me wonder... by Mr2cents · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    They left some things behind you know.. I think the only way to assure yourself is to go and see for yourself. Have a nice trip!

    --
    "It's too bad that stupidity isn't painful." - Anton LaVey
  2. Re:Has to be terrorism. by buck_wild · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    No, I'd say the Japanese are the best at marketing, and maybe even manufacturing.

    --
    If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
  3. Re:Who cares? by Vardamir · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    Is that you, Maddox?

  4. Re:Has to be terrorism. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Have you seen any german cars? VW? BWM? German engineers are probably the worst in the industrial world. I laugh whenever I see someone in the new bug.

  5. Re:Has to be terrorism. by bigberk · · Score: 0, Offtopic
    Germans are good engineers ? At Gas chambers and overhyped, overpriced cars...

    No, not at gas chambers.

    Several countries are known to raise particularly good engineers, perhaps because of the quality of education and strong professional culture. The United Kingdom, Germany, and even Canada are known to have particularly good engineers.
  6. IN (non) SOVIET RUSSIA... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Space tourism is down..

  7. Re:I predict.... by kzinti · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    I predict that the problem was in the updated avionics software.

    Yeah, maybe if it was Microsoft Avionics Software v2.0. Oh, sorry, make that "Microsoft .NET Avionics software v2.0". Microsoft's excuse: it's NASA's fault; they didn't install the latest patch.

    Sorry, couldn't resist a swipe at Redmond.

    --Jim

  8. That was not a troll by hackwrench · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    And the comment that was in response to mine answered my question. It should get modded up informative, but so far, nothing. If someone would care to explain why they think my post is a troll that would be great too.

  9. Where are the "In Soviet Russia" jokes? by troLLtroLL · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    I was looking for some "In Soviet Russia" jokes related to this story, but I found none. Please post some! We need a bit of humor related to this topic.

    --
    Do not ask for whom the posting trolls, it trolls for you dear troll!
  10. In Soviet Russia... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Buran/Energia program was solid, but entire country broke apart!!!

    1. Re:In Soviet Russia... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

      That was actually both funny and insightful. Kneejerk moderators will pay in metamod (unfortunately not ever enough to make a difference).

    2. Re:In Soviet Russia... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

      Too bad even 1% of the other comments in this thread are as insightful and funny as that. You are why I browse at -1.