NASA Releases Columbia Crew Survival Report

Migraineman writes "NASA has released a 400-page Columbia Crew Survival Investigation Report [16MB PDF.] If you're interested in a detailed examination and timeline of the events leading to the destruction of Columbia, this is well worth the time. The report includes a number of recommendations to increase survivability of future missions." Reader bezking points out CNN's story on the report, which says that problems with the astronauts' restraint systems were the ultimate cause of death for the seven astronauts on board.

Comments

Why did it took this long...

[grub]

Columbia Crew Survival Report:
They didn't.

CNN? Restraints? Oxymoron?

[arizwebfoot]

Lets try this CNN,
we'll put you in your car with tight seat belts
then we'll put a bomb under the car and ignite
then we'll test if the restraints had any impact on your ability to survive.

Assuming of course there is anything left of you to test.

Re:CNN? Restraints? Oxymoron?

[Cochonou]

Don't be too rude with CNN. The actual NASA report, while very comprehensive and well written, still contains little gems such as:
For the first 15 to 20 seconds, the modeled loads would not cause serious injuries to a conscious crew member who was capable of active bracing. An unconscious or deceased crew member would have been more susceptible to injury.

Re:ultimate reason for the astronauts death

[pushing-robot]

You drove your car off a cliff. Moments before your car hit the ground, I plugged you right between the eyes with a sniper rifle. Your car hits the ground and creates a dramatic fireball. How did you die?

Awesomely.