FEATURES Warning Signals

Government Executive April 15, 2004

Foam damage had occurred since the first shuttle flight in 1981, but after 113 flights without grave consequences, it was dismissed as a mere safety concern.

June 18, 1983
First Columbia-type foam strike from external fuel tank

Jan. 9, 1990
Second Columbia-type event

June 25, 1992
NASA dismisses third Columbia-type event as "accepted risk"

Oct. 22, 1992
Fourth Columbia-type event escapes notice

Oct. 4, 1994
Fifth Columbia-type event escapes notice

Oct. 7, 2002
Sixth Columbia-type event not labeled "in-flight anomaly"

Jan. 16, 2003
Fuel tank foam debris strikes, cripples Columbia

Source: Columbia Accident Investigation Board Report, August 2003

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FEATURES Warning Signals
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