One of Columbia's black boxes was found - which records the pressure and vibration data

If the data is deciphered, it will be an important contribution to the investigation of the disaster. Only Columbia and Challenger had boxes of this type, which were used to collect data on the first shuttle flights.

Search teams in Texas managed to find the data recorder, which may provide vital clues about the disaster. The Orbiter Experiments Recorder (OEX) - the experimental black box that records the experiment data on Columbia may also contain data about the spacecraft's performance during entry into the atmosphere. Senior officials at NASA said that this tape recorder was found almost undamaged, but it is possible that it suffered heat damage. It is not yet known about the conditions of the data stored inside the device.
The OEX collects data about the aerodynamic pressure, temperature, vibrations and other variables. He was taken to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston for surgery.
If the data can be recovered, accident investigators will be able to gain important information about Columbia's final moments - vital data about the aerodynamic forces acting on the shuttle as it struggled to stay on course.
17 years ago divers found the similar device from the remains that fell into the sea from the shuttle Challenger. The researchers were able to obtain vital data from the tape despite the enormous damage it had caused. It turns out that only Columbia, the oldest shuttle, had an OEX device. It was originally part of a system used to collect data during the first flights of the shuttles.
The OEX is not the same as Columbia's operational devices, which contain additional data as well as intercom voice traffic between crew members. These devices have not been found yet. Investigators have not yet identified the cause of the Columbia crash other than the fact that hot gas leaked into the left wing causing it to disintegrate and the loss of the seven crew members.

NASA: We may not be able to pinpoint the cause of the Columbia crash

The head of NASA, Sean O'Keefe, says that the researchers may not be able to clearly point out the cause of the Columbia shuttle crash about a month and a half ago. He stated that he does not expect now that the findings of the Space Agency's investigation committee will allow shuttle flights to resume. Experts participating in the investigation said that the committee will make some general recommendations that do not directly relate to the shuttle flight, such as a recommendation to improve NASA's relationship with other federal agencies, so that it can use satellite images and telescopes in the control of the shuttle flights and damage assessment.