MetaFilter posts tagged with Columbia and disaster

NASA releases Columbia report.

herrdoktor — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 14:57:59 -0800

NASA releases the Columbia shuttle disaster report. Space shuttle Columbia broke up during re-entry in 2003 as a result of damage sustained to its thermal protection system. This report details the possible lethal incidents and the investigation board's recommendations based on their findings. A synopsis on Wikipedia provides a good, brief review. Here's MetaFilter's original thread about the disaster. According to the report, there were five events with lethal potential: depressurization of the crew module, trauma from a "rotating load environment" and lack of upper body restraint as the as the forebody starting spinning, disintegration of the crew module, exposure to an extreme environment, and ground impact. It is believed that the crew lost consciousness very quickly and soon after depressurization.

In Mission Control, while the loss of signal was a cause for concern, there was no sign of any serious problem

ae4rv — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 13:22:06 -0800

Four years ago today the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated shortly upon reentry. Here is a sad, but, fascinating real time video recreation of the final moments, compiled from various sources including Nasa radio transmissions.

Columbia's Final Minutes

jpoulos — Tue, 27 Jan 2004 13:07:59 -0800

Columbia's Final Minutes A fascinating (if horrifying) account of the shuttle's destruction.

The Columbia Accident Investigation Board

tgrundke — Thu, 28 Aug 2003 07:00:45 -0800

"These are good people"...but changes must be made. The Columbia Accident Investigation Board final report was released on Tuesday. Putting technical answers aside for the moment, the report targets the organizational and behavioral issues that led to a breakdown in communication, safety and responsibility. While acknowledging the good will at NASA, the report holds no illusions that changing this culture will be very difficult and very necessary in order to return to flight. What types of management/behavioral obstacles have you encountered in home, work, school or social organizations? How did you try to effect change and what obstacles did you encounter in an effort to make it more effective, safe, productive or enjoyable?

Cosmic bolt probed in shuttle disaster

y2karl — Fri, 07 Feb 2003 00:32:00 -0800

Cosmic bolt probed in shuttle disaster - Scientists poring over 'infrasonic' sound waves Federal scientists are looking for evidence that a bolt of electricity in the upper atmosphere might have doomed the space shuttle Columbia as it streaked over California, The Chronicle has learned.

Trophy Boys

sparky — Mon, 03 Feb 2003 10:12:57 -0800

It's kind of weird how people in East Texas seem to have to "pose" with the debris, like it's a dead deer or a fishing trophy...

5...4...3...2...1...Goodbye, Columbia

kirkaracha — Sun, 02 Feb 2003 18:02:26 -0800

5...4...3...2...1...Goodbye, Columbia "There is something noteworthy a rocket can do that the shuttle cannot. A rocket can be permitted to fail." Gregg Easterbrook's 1980 Washington Monthly cover story looks into the Columbia's beginnings, the hazards he saw in the shuttle, and its weaknesses compared to rockets.

Once you get into space, you check to see if any tiles are damaged. If enough are, you have a choice between Plan A and Plan B. Plan A is hope they can get a rescue shuttle up in time. Plan B is burn up coming back.

[via Slate]