Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
| Subscribe to Newser's RSS feeds RSS | Follow Newser on Twitter Twitter


0

Columbia Crew Had No Chance to Survive

Report says astronauts couldn't have survived shuttle's disintegration

Share

(Newser) – The seven astronauts aboard the space shuttle Columbia lost consciousness quickly and did not suffer when the craft broke up during its descent to Earth in 2003, a  NASA report says. While the crew had zero chance of survival, the report found fault with the astronauts' safety equipment and recommended improvements in everything from helmets to seat restraints.

The graphic 400-page report details the final moments as Columbia disintegrated 16 minutes before its scheduled landing. It says the crew's lap harnesses barely supported them as the cabin spun wildly, causing lethal trauma. But even if they had lived through that, they couldn't have used their parachutes while unconscious. The investigators recommend that future safety equipment "not rely on manual activation."

In this 2003 file photo, debris from the Space Shuttle Columbia streaks across the sky over Texas.
In this 2003 file photo, debris from the Space Shuttle Columbia streaks across the sky over Texas.   (AP Photo/Dr. Scott Lieberman, File)
The seat restraints, suits and helmets of the doomed crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia didn't work well, leading to
The seat restraints, suits and helmets of the doomed crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia didn't work well, leading to "lethal trauma" as the ship broke apart.   (AP Photo/NASA TV, File)
The report recommends that NASA improve safety equipment to improve survival odds in future accidents.
The report recommends that NASA improve safety equipment to improve survival odds in future accidents.   (AP Photo/John Raoux)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
See the debris from the NASA crash.   (AssociatedPress)

View larger videos >>
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next »
OFF THE GRID
11.24.09
Murdoch and Microsoft: The Mice Are Trying to Roar
11.23.09
Books Are Bad for You
0 comments
VIEWING:
 
LEAVE A
COMMENT Comment Policy
Facebook ConnectPost this comment to Facebook?

After connecting you will have the option to post your comment on your Facebook profile.

 

Related Newser Stories

87 Stories

 Atlantis Crew Finishes Mission 

Astronauts complete final spacewalk

Nov 23, 09 2:55 PM CST
(Newser) - Astronauts from the space shuttle Atlantis finished the final spacewalk of their mission at the International Space Station today, clearing the way for their return Wednesday. Astronauts Robert Satcher and Randy Bresnik installed a science experiment that will test how materials, including a new kind of Teflon, hold up to... More »

MORE ABOUT:
NASA • astronauts • space shuttle • Houston • International Space Station • spacewalk • Atlantis Space Shuttle • Teflon • Bobby Satcher • Randolph Bresnik

 Space Shuttle Lifts Off Safely 

Atlantis heads for space station loaded with spare parts

Nov 16, 09 1:53 PM CST
(Newser) - Space shuttle Atlantis took off without a hitch this afternoon, departing Cape Canaveral, Fla., for the International Space Station. After a cloudy morning, the weather improved and the spacecraft lifted off on schedule at 2:28pm, carrying six astronauts—half of them first-timers in space—and two carriers filled with... More »

MORE ABOUT:
NASA • Atlantis • astronauts • space shuttle • International Space Station • Cape Canaveral • Atlantis Space Shuttle

the final frontier

Shuttle Launch Comes With Real-World 'Tweetup'

NASA Twitter followers get front-row seats

Nov 15, 09 3:01 PM CST
(Newser) - Final preparations for tomorrow's space shuttle launch include inspecting Atlantis, briefing the six-person crew, and making sure followers of NASA's Twitter feed can see from where they're sitting. The first 100 people to register for the event received 2-day passes that include an in-person look at the launch. "I'm... More »

MORE ABOUT:
NASA • social networking • astronauts • space shuttle • International Space Station • Cape Canaveral • Atlantis Space Shuttle • Twitter • tweet • Bobby Satcher

87 Stories


No contributing crew error found
Space.com

Foam debris damaged craft in liftoff
Reuters

Listen to NASA's teleconference
NASA


US 
TwitterFollow @NewserUS on Twitter

 
NASA • investigation • astronauts • safety • crash • Columbia Space Shuttle

from our news partners