US space agency (Nasa) officials say there was probably nothing that could have been done to save the crew of Columbia, even if mission control had fully realised the jeopardy the astronauts were in.

A report to be handed to the Columbia Accident Investigation Board next week will say the crew were almost certainly doomed from the moment a chunk of foam from the external fuel tank struck the left wing shortly after launch.

Damage to the wing's leading edge that resulted in a "thermal breach" is the most likely candidate for the cause of the shuttle disaster.

Plans for carrying out in-orbit repairs to the shuttles during future flights are now being developed.

Full Article:
BBC News