Debris Research
With sights set on the future of space flight, NASA provides Columbia debris material for research to the aerospace and educational industry. NASA believes permitting access to the debris will allow companies to design and build safer, more reliable components for future spacecraft, as well as developing technologies that improve safety and further knowledge about the effects of reentry.
Scientific, academic and governmental organizations interested are asked to submit their requests. This request should detail their previous experience, plans for use of the orbiter debris, and the scientific benefits expected to be gained by their research.
Currently there are more than 60 loan requests that have been received by the Columbia Research & Preservation Office and numerous pieces of debris constantly out on loan. In time, more pieces of Columbia are expected to be loaned for testing and used to expand the understanding of the rigors of space flight.
The mission of Space Shuttle Columbia continues today by shedding light on the reentry process, helping to create a foundation for the spacecraft of tomorrow, and to educate new generations.
Type of Research Being Conducted
| Who | What | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lehigh University | Material/Failure Analysis for Graduate Students. | Educational |
| Caterpillar, Inc | Reconstructing the processes material underwent to reach its existing State. | Educational |
| NASA Johnson Space Center | Development of on-orbit RCC drill/reamer and other on-orbit RCC Repair Hardware. | Flight |
| Illinois Aviation Museum | Materials Science and Engineering Education | Educational |
| NASA Orbiter Project Office | Investigation into a certification issues involving the potential for fiber damage and explosion hazards. | Flight |
KNPR Forms/Documents
| Document Number | Description |
|---|---|
| KNPR 8621.1 | Columbia Research and Preservation |
| Form Number | Description |
|---|---|
| NF 1867 | Columbia Debris Loan Request, Space Shuttle Program Internal |
| KDP-F-3402 | Columbia Debris Loan Request, Space Shuttle Program External (Obsolete) |
Space Program Accident Reports
Columbia
+ Columbia Accident Investigation Board Report
+ Columbia Crew Survivability Report
Boeing Debris Impact Assessment Charts (02-21-03)
Three sets of charts, from January 21, January 23, and January 24, were part of an analysis conducted during the STS-107 mission of the impact of external tank foam debris striking Columbia during ascent. The analysis was presented to the STS-107 Mission Management Team on Jan. 27 with the conclusion that the effects of the debris did not pose a safety of flight concern for Columbia. Mission managers concurred with that conclusion. These charts do not represent a comprehensive look at the analysis, which included extensive verbal communication, and took place over more than a week while Columbia was in orbit. All open work shown on these charts was completed and reported to Space Shuttle management.
+ View January 21 charts – Acrobat PDF
+ View January 23 charts – Acrobat PDF
+ View January 24 charts – Acrobat PDF
Challenger
+ Report of the Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident
Apollo 1
