As many are aware, a piece of insulating foam liberated itself from the external tank and impacted the leading edge of Columbia during ascent on STS-107. It is believed that this impact left a hole in the thermal protection system (TPS), which protects the shuttle from hot plasma generated during re-entry. Unfortunately, the orbiter did not have the margin to withstand this compromise, and it is believed that the result of these events caused the loss of crew and orbiter.
Implementing Recommendations of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board
2004-01-01
Preprint
No indication
English
COLUMBIA ACCIDENT REPORT: Investigation board makes many recommendations
Online Contents | 2003
Columbia Accident Investigation Board
NTRS | 2003
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