The Question and Answer Board

[AKvetch]

Churak, from what I've read, the shuttles go through a complete rebuilding every 4 or 5 missions, and this one had the latest avionics. What is built to last for 100 missions is the air frame itself.

There are any number of things that could have gone wrong, including some of the heat tiles coming off, and the so called "zipper" effect at that speed. Given the complexity of the vehicles it is a wonder that more "accidents" have not already happened.

A tragic day for all.

AK