Space Shuttle Columbia's Skin may be Breached Before Accident

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, February 14, 2003

Space Shuttle Columbia's Skin may be Breached Before Accident

United States space shuttle Columbia's exterior may have been pierced during the shuttle's descent toward the earth, independent investigators said Thursday.

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United States space shuttle Columbia's exterior may have been pierced during the shuttle's descent toward the earth, independent investigators said Thursday.

Soon after the shuttle's launch on Jan. 16, insulation foam wasseen breaking away from the exterior fuel tank of the shuttle. Thefoam was suspected of having hit the shuttle's left wing, damagingsome thermal tiles which protected the shuttle during its fiery re-entry through the earth's atmosphere.

Columbia disintegrated shortly before landing on Feb. 1, killing all seven astronauts aboard.

Early analysis made by engineers at the US space agency NASA showed unusual temperature increases on the left side of the shuttle before the accident. It was believed by some to be relatedto the damaged tiles.

However, an independent board investigating the cause of the accident ruled on Thursday that heat transfer from a damaged or missing tile would not be sufficient to cause unusual temperature increases inside the shuttle minutes before it disintegrated.

Preliminary analysis indicated the temperature readings seen inthe shuttle's left wheel well during entry would require the presence of plasma or super heated gas surrounding the shuttle during re-entry, said the Columbia Accident Investigation Board.

"Additional analysis is underway, looking at various scenarios in which a breach of some type, allowing plasma into the wheel well area or elsewhere in the wing, could occur," the investigators said in a statement.

It is the first significant determination by the accident investigation board headed by retired US Navy Admiral Gehman. The independent panel is expected to finish its report in 60 days.

A NASA spokesman said it was unclear where a hole might have opened in the shuttle's skin, noting that the leading edge or elsewhere on the left wing, the fuselage or the left landing gear door were prime candidates.

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