I'm really sorry for the family's. But the space shuttle was the very first of nasa!! it is 20 years old, there also was (i don't know how to say this in english, but a peace that was armed against heat) that fell off, if you go trough the atmoshpere like that, no thing that can servive.

...Styl...
Although I havent heard that bit of news, but to make sure, are you speaking about one of the ceramic heatshield tiles?

There was mention that one tile had ben damaged during take-off.

Yes Jafo, I just heard that a piece of foam had dislodged and hit the wing, though I am not aware of the extent of damage that it caused or if it played a role in the disaster. I guess we may find out someday.

Likely scenario is aerodynamic break-up....a not uncommon cause in any category of aviation...from shuttles to gliders.
At high speed, if stability is lost and needing correction [obviously], it's common for stresses to exceed airframe capabilities/design parameters.

One theory to ponder, however....'bird-strike', where the 'bird' is some bit of flotsam of space junk [satelite] in a decaying orbit of its own.

Of course, I'd not feel too amused if I were one of the 3 still on the station.
I'd expect they are going through an equivalent 'hell' at the moment...

They're probably wondering who's going to pick them up. They have to build a new shuttle probably.

But the whole thought, thinking that they might be next. That has to be really getting to them.

I heard that quite a bit of lighter weight particles from the disaster are going to remain caught up in the jet stream for some time.
It all makes one wonder if man was really destined to escape Earth...

...by his own will, that is

...by his own will, that is

wow. Cant say the right thing. Hope this dose not kill the US Space program. I am sure the crew would feel the same way. They died doing what they loved, and you cant ask for more then that.

The people still on the station have a way home... they aren't stranded there.

There are a lot of good things that came from the space program that we use every day. Not to mention the intangibles like hope for a better future, the example of cooperation between countries (and the experience of unity in at least one field), the inspiration of the programs (it gives all something to reach out for, not to mention the educational inspiration). I think that no matter the cost, the space program will go on. Because I think humans have a basic need for frontiers.

I never say these things well. But globally we have war and terror, and it is balanced by this other thing that shines hope in our faces. It speaks of success and unity and cooperation and peace and I cannot believe we would let it go at any cost. Psychologically, I think we need it. "Space....the final frontier", the phrase kind of has a grip on us. It keeps us striving.

This is extremely tragic, but it will not stop the space program.
It will certainly delay it while they determine exactly what caused the accident, but they will eventually
move on with the program. We must learn from our mistakes and failures and persevere...

Jam, it won't delay anything at the moment. They still have people up in space who need food and water.

The people on the station are fine for the time being, WOM..
I saw it on CNN this afternoon.

I know that Jam, what I'am saying is that there will be another flight in a month or 2. Then another one because they haven't finished building the station. And besides they need to keep someone there to make minor orbit adjustments.

goodmorphing, 'High Flight' was my first thought.....you know the story behind it and the poet I assume?

I was only five, but I remember watching the Challenger blow up live. I had hoped to never see it again, but I pray God will have mercy upon their souls.

I did this little memorial image for them http://www.maverickproductions.net/3dna/images/Colombia-Memorial-Large.jpg it's better than those ribbons that are sure to pop up.

This is a short version of the story behind High Flight... http://www.santacruzpl.org/readyref/files/g-l/hiflite.shtml

Short but it covers the essential facts .... and always worth remembering, especially in times such as these.

Short but it covers the essential facts .... and always worth remembering, especially in times such as these.