|
|
|
leading edge of the shuttle wing
|
|
|
|
|
Columbia sits on Pad 39A prior to STS-107
launch. The circled portion of the wing notes the area where a
USAF camera in the southwestern U.S. imaged serious damage to
left wing leading edge. The gray portions of the leading edge
are carbon sections. These are bolted on, unlike black tiles,
which are glued on. |
 |
The scene in Mission Control immediately
after the loss of Columbia shows data and map displays projected
on the back wall, while controllers and managers confer. |
 |
Sequence of three launch-tracking camera
images shows two pieces of debris separate from the tank. |
 |
The debris move toward inboard leading
edge of left wing. |
 |
In the third photo, debris has fragmented
under wing after striking vehicle. |
 |
Diagram from 1994 tile risk study spells
out what has been obvious since the program's start: Under
worst-case conditions, tile damage can propagate. |
|
|
|
|
|
