February 01, 2003
Figuring Out What Happened

It's going to be more difficult this time around. There is video which apparently covers the moment of breakup, but it is news footage and not a high-resolution tracking camera so its forensic value is questionable. And the wreckage is unlikely to offer any clues, given the velocity and the altitude.

The talking heads are saying that it is possible that we have footage (or whatever else they record) from spy satellites designed to pinpoint "heat spots" indicating missile launches or explosions.

The telemetry is probably all they'll have to work with. Hopefully that will be enough.

Posted by T.L. James on February 1, 2003 10:23 AM