| Space Shuttle Columbia has gone down |
| David | Breaking news from here in the USA is that the space shuttle Columbia has broken up on re entry over texas. |
| rocketmanjohn | We had a visit from Nasa management last Friday. Not to lay blame, but to offer encouragement to those involved. I think it was a really nice thought that they should take the time and effort from an exhausting investigation to do this. Mr. Dittemore even had a private meeting with the two guys who applied the foam that came off, one of whom is suicidal, to offer his encouragement. There are some good people in life.
John |
| David | John: Some years ago when three of our astronauts were killed in a static test of the Apollo, I had been involved in the machining of some of the parts that were used on that static test. It is indeed incredible to what lengths NASA goes to find the cause of any mishap. As you will well know, every part used in the NASA program is serialized, and full inspection, materials, processes, treatments, and the like records, are kept and duplicated, and sent to different agencies. The follow up is unrelenting. I'm sure that, down the line, the root cause of the breakup will be found. Here's wishing NASA, and all involved, the very best in their investigation. No one person is to be blamed, The ride into space is in itself the most dangerous ride ever, and the brave astronauts that take the risk know that first hand...God Bless 'em All |
| Caroline | Just heard that on Radio 4 and had a look on the telly after . Not much hope there for those poor people ..... |
| David | quote:
Originally posted by Caroline
Just heard that on Radio 4 and had a look on the telly after . Not much hope there for those poor people .....
I guess not. They are reporting from NASA that the shuttle was traveling at 12500 mph and was 39 miles above the earth when it broke up. God Bless the crew and their families. |
| LDunlop76 | Let's hope things happened too fast for them to have suffered much. Condolences to their families. |
| noel | Dreadfull tragedy. My condolences also. Brings back memories of the sace shuttle Challenger that blew up on take off 17 years ago. |
| Caroline | Any comment from Rocketman John??? |
| rocketmanjohn | I'm still in a state of shock. We build the external tank here in New Orleans and, although I don't have anything to do with the TPS [Thermal Protection System], my collegues in my department do. It seems that a large piece of this came off during launch and hit the wing leading edge. This material [the brown stuff on the external tank] is a polyurethane foam which is sprayed on while the tank rotates past the spray head, hence the swirl pattern you can see. It is very light and is similar to ceiling tiles. The reason for the foam is to prevent the super cold liquid fuel from boiling off, and to prevent ice build up.
It is'nt the first time TPS has come off although obviously without problems. What happens is that the cold fuel makes the tank contract while the outside temperature remains ambient, this puts high loads on the TPS bond which can cause separation, although the material is designed to handle this. Other problems we've had include gassing off of the TPS solvents causing cracking, water getting under the foam and then freezing, also causing cracking. We once had a woodpecker tryng to drill holes. All of these problems happened some years ago, and have all been solved.
It was known that the TPS piece had come off and many meetings were had to determine what, if anything, could be damaged. It was determined unlikely. But, having said that, there is no way to repair any damage once in orbit. Having said all this, all the sensors in the left wing are a long way from the leading edge so it is hard to understand how they could be affected
We all feel responsibility for this tragedy and I'm certain that the true cause will be found and rectified. It's my first day back at work tomorrow after the accident { I don't have any other word for it] and I know there will be many months of work ahead to prevent it happening again. If I can answer any questions, I will. Please excuse the lack of any personal touch in this message, I am very upset.
None of the above is classified information.
John
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| Martin | This is a very sad occasion. These people were pioneers who lost their lives doing something that they love doing. My thoughts are with the people who are still orbiting earth in the space station, it must be a very lonely time for them right now. |
| William R | John, Thanks for the explanation. I offer my condolences to all affected by this accident. To those who lost their lives I wish Eternal Peace; to those who have the task of finding a solution I wish patience and wisdom. Their Memorial will be safer space travel. I am reminded of the R.A.F. motto - Per Ardua Ad Astra - Through Endeavour to the Stars, very apt I think. Back to Silence, William R. |
| LDunlop76 | {{{{John}}}}
We realise anyone working with the shuttle will have been badly upset by what happened. As Bill says, our sympathies go not only to the families of the deceased, but to those working to deal with the aftermath. Our thoughts are with you all. |