I want to know what happened. One of my friends says it was a terrorist attack because the shuttle had a Jew crewman. I think it would be almost impossible to sabotage a shuttle though.

Indeed. I believe funding to NASA should be increased to finalize the X-34 (I believe), which will replace the shuttle.

---------------------------------------
"Problems cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them." --Albert Einstein

I sincerely doubt it was a terrorist attack because of the Israeli crewman. When they continue using a spacecraft this old without major renovation. . .things happen. . .

---------------------------------------
"Problems cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them." --Albert Einstein

There already is a thread on this tragic accident in Off Topic .

It's very unlikely it was a terrorist attack. The shuttle was at about 200,000 ft in the air traveling at 12,000 mph. Basically impossible to hit with any weapon. They havent said much, NASA is staying quiet for right now. News agencies here are saying that during liftoff debris from the external fuel tank may have struck the wing and damaged the heat tiles. They haven't said that this was the cause but its possible.

On the X-34...its been cancelled, cost overruns and other budget problems killed the program. I just hope they try to keep the space program going.

Wow I was thinking along the same lines although I was thinking that the shuttles should be grounded indefinitely.Which would give the necessary funds for the new shuttles which have an improved recovery system which works THROUGHOUT the entire atmosphere not only that but now you'd have powered flight for shuttles in which wouldn't have any problems at having a chance at only being able to land once.

The most recently funded program to develop a follow on to the current shuttle fleet was terminated because there wasn't sufficient technology available to do what they wanted. This tragedy will probably spur a new program. There is a program underway to upgrade the avionics in the shuttles. It's possible that they will decide the shuttles themselves are too old and not worth the cost of upgrading.

As a side note, my boss has been involved with NASA for the last few months reviewing their safety programs. NASA came to us (US Navy's organization for submarine safety and engineering support) to ask us to review their program for possible improvements. I suspect from the news that he will be called away to take part in the investigation of the cause of this accident.

I'd say I'll let you know if I here anything from him, but I suspect that we will all hear anything they determine immediately on the news.

Moved to off topic

My 0.02 Loonies =>

I remember some conspiracy theory about the mysterious death of the Moon team (their shuttle exploded during one of the missions)... Maybe this time too...
^That's just a theory what I really mean:

A space ship is so complicated that if you rip 10 cm of some wire, the shuttle could explode 10 hours later, so:
- If it's a terrorist attempt, it doesn't mean they HAD to use missiles or other weapon.
- It could be just a malfunction which some lazy/incompetent mechanic failed to notice.

-----



Would you care to follow me... --DEATH

---

It could be just a malfunction which some lazy/incompetent mechanic failed to notice.

---

I doubt that NASSA would have someone being lazy/incompetent cheacking a space shuddle that is worth millions of dollars.

Me too, but if you drink beer with frends instead of checking the engines, who will know?

-----



Would you care to follow me... --DEATH

WHy is everyone so bloody convinced its terrorists lol?

Is it possible that some americans accidently ****ed up during prelaunch tests?

Next you'll hear they'll be blaming this on all-quada, sadam hussein and the palestines... I think it was just something from with the heath shields, accidents happen, sometimes leading to tragedy...

Uh....nobody ever said it was terrorists. All the news-networks are saying its highley unlikely and just about near impossible. Only the internet crack pots are saying its terrorists.