What happened to Columbia?
At 0859, onboard sensors indicate
drag is increasing. Other sensors measuring tyre temperatures
and pressures show no data. Mission control contacts the
crew. After a short delay, shuttle commander Rick Husband
comes back: "Roger ...erm..." The line is lost. At 40 miles up and flying at Mach 18 over
the skies of Texas, Columbia breaks up. Witnesses speak of a
bright light followed by a white plume of smoke. Debris
falls over a vast area
