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Debris Seen Falling Off Shuttle During Launch

kushboy writes "According to an article on CNN.com, there is video of debris falling off Discovery during its launch earlier today. While the debris does not appear to hit the shuttle, extra precaution and more video will be analyzed due to the Columbia mission of 2003. 'NASA has taken steps to minimize the amount and size of debris falling off the shuttle's exterior tank during its ascent. But the space agency has said it's impossible to eliminate falling launch debris.'"

7 of 396 comments (clear)

  1. They're Doomed!!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny
    debris falling off the shuttle's exterior tank
    OMG! I saw two long white cylindrical things attached to the tank fall off too!
  2. Re:Nice misleading story, guys... by Fjornir · · Score: 5, Funny
    Honestly, guys....do you even read submissions anymore?

    ...well, obviously they don't need to. You're still paying for it, right?

    --
    I want a new world. I think this one is broken.
  3. well.. by slorge · · Score: 5, Funny
    anyone old enough to remember the apollo launches? Granted, anything that returned to earth was covered during launch, but there was stuff flyng off left and right (hoses, debris, small animals, pizza boxes, etc.)

    I think we're getting a little paranoid because of one incident. But that's just me....

    --
    Some people are like slinkys. They're useless, but it puts a smile on your face to push them down the stairs.
  4. Re:Images of bird impact and debris by NOLAChief · · Score: 5, Funny
    From the related article:

    Closer to the ground, launch pad cameras caught a bird hitting the tip of the external tank a few seconds after blastoff. But it was a relatively low-speed collision and while it was no doubt a significant event for the bird, it caused no obvious damage to the shuttle.

  5. Re:Does anyone see anything wrong here? by Trepalium · · Score: 5, Funny

    Well, "Debris Seen Not Hitting Shuttle During Launch" wouldn't have been a very catchy headline, would it? I'm just surprised they didn't take it to the next level, "Fiery Destruction of Shuttle Imminent".

    --
    I used up all my sick days, so I'm calling in dead.
  6. Re:Did it hit it or not. by $RANDOMLUSER · · Score: 5, Funny

    You poor bastard.
    You missed being "insightful" by 0.92 seconds.
    Now you're modded as a loser.
    Learn to type faster.

    --
    No folly is more costly than the folly of intolerant idealism. - Winston Churchill
  7. I _don't_ feel bad for the bird. by Wilson_6500 · · Score: 5, Funny

    It's pretty obvious that birds are jealous of human spaceflight. First we invade the skies, and then we better them by going into space. It was probably taking advantage of the intense media coverage of this launch to try for a grand-scale terror event.

    My god. How could the Bush administration fail to protect us? That bird should've been shot down by SAMs before it got anywhere near the shuttle.

    This time were lucky: it wasn't a frozen chicken.