New details from the investigation of the shuttle disaster: NASA engineers reported to the commanders of the astronaut team, via e-mail, about the damage to the foam in the insulation tiles. But they were quick to reassure them: "There is no reason to worry, we have seen it happen before"
The commanders of the astronaut team from the "Columbia" shuttle knew about the damage to the insulation tiles, which is now suspected to be the main cause of the crash, but it was made clear to them that "there is no cause for concern". This is how new details about the investigation of the shuttle disaster, which were revealed tonight (Tuesday) by the NASA agency, appear.
On the day of the launch, the space agency personnel identified the impact of the foam on the insulation tiles of the shuttle's wing, which are supposed to protect it from the tremendous heat at the moment of reentry into the atmosphere. They argued among themselves as to the severity of the injury.
Now it turns out that the agency's engineers rushed to inform the astronaut team about the damage caused, but reassured them that it should not have any effect on the stay in space or the landing.
"Experts went through the photos received and concluded that no real damage was caused, and there is no danger to the shuttle," wrote one of the engineers in the email he sent from the ground to the commander of the astronaut team, Rick Husband, and the chief pilot, William McCall. "We have seen the same phenomenon in other launches, and there is no fear for the moment of re-entry (into the atmosphere)."
Upon receiving the e-mail, Hasband sent a message in response, in which he thanked the engineer for what he had said. In retrospect it turned out that at those moments, the hourglass of the seven astronauts, including Ilan Ramon, had already run out.
