Posted by Tug Boat Lonnie on Saturday, February 01, 2003 at 12:58PM :
In Reply to: Would debris really be harzardous ?? posted by Tom @ Snake River on Saturday, February 01, 2003 at 11:24AM :
I suspect the primary reason for the warning was to try and prevent people from moving or collecting debris making the reconstruction of this disaster more difficult. They also might be concerned that one of the tanks might have made it to the ground intact, but I highly doubt that this was the case. I think the investigation will focus on the damage to tiles during lift off causing the "zipper effect" that we have been hearing about.
Keep in mind that the shuttles are quite old and might be more vunerable to long term stress and component failures than anyone is willing to admit.
I think some might be thinking of a line from the movie Armegedon, "Russian parts, American parts, all made in Taiwan".
Cutbacks at NASA, old Shuttles, crew training, over-confidense, probably all played a role in this one.
God Bless and keep them for they are all heros.
Best Wishes
Lonnie