Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

National

NASA E-Mail: Engineers Pondered Shuttle Breakup

NASA releases e-mails demonstrating that a day before space shuttle Columbia's demise, engineers privately worried about the impact of tile damage sustained at launch. The e-mails explored prophetic "what-if" scenarios that concluded the orbiter could lose its left wing and break up high in the atmosphere. Hear NPR's Richard Harris.

Copyright 2003 NPR

Fact-based local news is essential

KPBS keeps you informed with local stories you need to know about — with no paywall. Our news is free for everyone because people like you help fund it.

Support local independent journalism now.