Inquiry Uncovers More Clues to Shuttle Disaster

NASA engineers have uncovered more clues about the destruction of the space shuttle

Columbia

. According to sensors, the shuttle was being pulled to the left by increased drag on its wing. Small jets that maintain the shuttle's direction were attempting to compensate, but weren't able to overcome the forces turning it to the side. Engineers are also investigating how a dislodged chunk of insulating foam could have damaged the shuttle's heat tiles, but it seems increasingly unlikely that it could have struck with enough force to cause any harm.

Fraser Cain

Fraser Cain

Fraser Cain is the publisher of Universe Today, founding the website in March 1999. He's also the co-host of Astronomy Cast.