Une fusée de 68 TONNES et son équipage détruits à cause... d’un peu de mousse.
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The space shuttle Colombia faced a tragic end due to a piece of foam hitting it at high speed, causing catastrophic damage during re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, leading to its disintegration and the deaths of the crew. The investigation into the disaster highlighted issues with foam shedding, misinterpretations of data, and communication failures that ultimately culminated in the shuttle's tragic fate.
Insights
- The tragic disintegration of the space shuttle Colombia was caused by a small piece of foam hitting the vessel at high speed during re-entry, highlighting the critical role of meticulous engineering and maintenance in space missions.
- The investigation into the Colombia shuttle disaster showcased the importance of effective communication and data analysis among technical experts, federal agents, and crew members to prevent catastrophic incidents and ensure the safety of space exploration endeavors.
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What caused the disintegration of the space shuttle Colombia?
Foam hitting the shuttle at high speed.
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Summary
00:00
Tragic disintegration of space shuttle Colombia
- The military cemetery in Washington is where the astronauts of the space shuttle Colombia, who faced a tragic accident on February 1, 2003, are remembered.
- The space shuttle Colombia, a complex vessel, disintegrated due to a few grams of foam hitting it at 800 km/h during its return to Earth.
- The crew's families, technical expertise, and federal agents played crucial roles in investigating the shuttle's disintegration.
- The crew's return to Earth faced no major issues until plasma rushed into the wing, leading to a catastrophic breakup.
- The crew of the Colombia shuttle, including Laurel Clark and Ilan Ramon, prepared for a scientific mission analyzing microgravity effects on living organisms.
- NASA faced delays launching the mission due to other priorities, but in January 2003, they had to proceed quickly for budgetary reasons.
- The space shuttle Colombia, a marvel of technology, was launched on its 28th mission, holding the record for hours spent in orbit.
- The shuttle's takeoff required immense thrust, with the boosters providing 70% of the power and the engines the remaining 30%.
- The insulating foam on the shuttle's external tank, crucial for maintaining low temperatures, had a history of shedding small pieces during launch.
- Colombia's takeoff on January 16, 2003, witnessed significant acceleration, reaching 4800 km/h in 30 seconds, causing intense vibrations and pressure.
21:03
"Challenger and Colombia: Tragic Shuttle Disasters"
- The shuttle, boosters, and orbiter face significant forces during the maxq period, leading to Challenger's explosion during this phase.
- Two minutes post-takeoff, the shuttle separates from boosters, accelerating upwards, reaching 1g, and accelerating further.
- After 8 minutes and 30 seconds, the shuttle hits 28,000 km/h, enabling it to orbit Earth successfully.
- Engineers at the Marshall mission center monitor the mission's technical progress from afar.
- A piece of insulating foam detaches from the bipod ramp, hitting Colombia's left wing at 3,600 km/h.
- Despite concerns about potential damage, the crew remains unaware due to lack of external data.
- Engineers struggle to assess the impact's location and damage due to limited satellite access and software inadequacies.
- Misinterpretations of the foam's impact location and damage potential lead to erroneous conclusions.
- The crew remains unaware of the impending disaster as they prepare for re-entry, with no alarms triggered.
- Colombia re-enters the atmosphere smoothly, with the crew unaware of the severe damage, leading to a tragic end upon re-entry.
41:34
Space Shuttle Colombia Disintegrates in Tragic Accident
- Temperature rises by 4 degrees per minute until 8:54 a.m., when multiple error messages alert the flight director in the control room.
- Sensors on the space shuttle begin melting due to plasma infiltration, causing abnormal temperatures and deformation.
- Colombia's descent over the west coast is filmed by amateurs, witnessing the orbiter's gradual disintegration.
- Attempts to control the overheating left wing fail, leading to a devastating chain reaction and the shuttle's disintegration.
- Despite efforts to regain contact, Colombia depressurizes, shatters, and disintegrates at 60 km altitude, raining debris on Texas.
